On 25 July 2007, Ambassador Kenzo Oshima, in his capacity as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, bid farewell to the United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA). Officially retiring from the Mission of Japan on 1 July of this year, Ambassador Oshima will return to Tokyo, Japan in August.

Presenting UNCA with sushi, a method of making friends adopted by the Ambassador, the press listened intently as Ambassador Oshima reflected on his five years of experience working with the United Nations, first as the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, and then as the permanent representative of Japan. Recalling memorable experiences, such as working as the President of the Security Council during the election of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, a highpoint of his tenure, Ambassador Oshima shared his heartfelt stories of determination, disappointment, and success. Ambassador Oshima entrusts three issues of special importance – United Nations reform, the care of the Peace Building Commission, and climate change – to his successor, Ambassador Yukio Takasu.

Following the speech, Ambassador Oshima answered questions from the press. The President of UNCA, Mr. Tuyet Nguyen, thanked the ambassador and promised to extend their friendship to Ambassador Takasu when he arrives in late August. More than 50 members of the press attended the event.