Friends of Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe and his wife Etsuko will be sad to see them bid this country sayonara. The well-loved diplomatic couple hosted a farewell reception at the Japanese Embassy residence in North Forbes, after which they will be going back to Tokyo to enjoy Ambassador Urabe’s retirement. No question the couple is one of the most popular, judging from the presence of people like multibillionaire Ricky Razon who hardly attends diplomatic receptions yet made sure he was there for the Ambassador and Madame Etsuko.
In the three years that he has been here, Ambassador Urabe has vigorously worked to bring the ties between our two countries, especially in these last few months with the Philippines going through significant challenges both domestically and in the international front.
The Ambassador (who was conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu, Katangiang Ginto or Grand Cross, Gold Distinction in recognition of his significant contributions to the peace process in Mindanao) is an avid golfer, and his golfing buddies at Manila Golf will surely miss his genial presence.
Being assigned to the Philippines must have been a homecoming of sorts to Ambassador Urabe, who is fondly called the “Balikbayan Ambassador” by those who know him well since he first came to the country as a boy when his diplomat father, Toshio Urabe, served as Japan’s liaison to Manila from 1954 to 1956. The young Toshinao even went to the Jose Abad Santos Memorial School for kindergarten, and he remembers playing with children in Sta. Ana, Manila. In 1969, his father was posted as Ambassador to the Philippines where he served until 1974. In those five years, Ambassador Urabe was able to make deep friendships and established contacts with many Filipinos.
Toshinao Urabe may be leaving, but the Philippines and the people have undoubtedly made quite an imprint. As the diplomat himself said, he will be coming back to visit. In which case, we bid him sayonara, mata aimashou. So long, farewell — but we will see you again!