REMARKS BY H.E. AMBASSADOR BARAKA H. LUVANDA, AMBASSADOR OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA TO JAPAN, AT THE “TANZANIA COFFEE DAY EVENT” CO - ORGANISED BY UCC HOLDINGS CO. LTD., AND RING OF NATIONAL ANTHEM ASSOCIATION, 

TOKYO, 20TH MAY 2023

Mr. Yuji Osawa, 
Coffee Advisor/ Excellent Barista and Subsection Chief of the UCC Holdings Co. Ltd.,
Mr. Ryota Asami,
Representative Director of the Ring of National Anthem Association
Invited Guests, 
Dear Friends, 
Ladies and gentlemen!

Jambo!

Kon’nichiwa!

A very Good Afternoon to you all!

It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you ALL today to this wonderful event, honoring the most precious and finest coffee in the world - Tanzanian Coffee, which is most liked by many Japanese and has been branded as The Kilimanjaro Coffee. 

As we say in Kiswahili (our national language), Karibuni Sana! and in Nihongo – Yōkoso.

I would like to thank most sincerely the co-organizers and our host - the UCC Holdings Co. Ltd., (UCC) and Ring of National Anthem Association, for bringing up the idea of these special countries' coffee gatherings and for implementing it. Thank you very much. 

I am elated to learn that you chose to conduct the first event for Tanzania specially done to appreciate the peculiarity and distinctiveness of the Tanzanian Coffee that you have been promoting in many parts of Japan. We cannot thank you enough. 

I sincerely hope that this event will be the first in a long line of similar events in various parts of this Great Country in future.  And I very much look forward to partnering with you.

Dear Friends,

As you all reckon, coffee holds a unique place in our daily lives, serving as a the most favoured beverage that brings people together across cultures and geographical limits.

It is tempting to suggest that coffee is just a drink; it is a symbol of connection and indeed camaraderie in our society.

I am extremely glad that today, we have this unique opportunity to celebrate the rich flavors and aromas of coffee, as well as the artistry and expertise behind its production.

Tanzania has been at the forefront of the coffee industry, consistently providing exceptional quality and variety to coffee enthusiasts worldwide. 

Our commitment to excellence is evident in every cup you brew, and it is commendable to see how we have fostered a deep appreciation for our Kilimanjaro Coffee brand, among Japanese consumers.

Events like this therefore serve to showcase not only the passion and dedication of the coffee lovers like UCC and Ring of National Anthem Association, but also demonstrate the commitment to promoting the sustainability and ethical practices throughout the coffee supply chain. 

In my view, coffee industry plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of millions of farmers and workers around the world, and it is heartening to see companies like UCC Holdings Co. Ltd are actively working towards a more equitable and environmentally conscious future.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let me also take this this opportunity to recognize the hard work and expertise of all the coffee professionals present here today. Their coffee tasting experience is a true testament to their skill in identifying nuanced flavors; their understanding of the complexities of coffee profiles; as well as their ability to provide us with an exceptional sensory experience.

As we sip and savor the variety of coffees presented here, let us cherish the great work of these people behind the scenes. 

And let us appreciate the farmers who work tirelessly to till the land and harvest the beans and more so, the roasters who masterfully bring out the unique characteristics of each coffee.

But it would be a grave mistake if I did not recognize the role played by the baristas who skillfully craft each cup with high precision and great care. 

Dear Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,

As I conclude my remarks, allow me to point out that today's event not only provides us with the opportunity to learn about the uniqueness of Tanzanian coffee, but also it allows us to learn more about Tanzania's rich cultural heritage and many unique tourist attractions that you may not have heard off before.

Even for those of you who have visited Tanzania before, you will certainly be surprised to hear about them. I do not have any doubt in my mind that you will obviously want to visit the destination. 

I will leave this assignment to Kazuma-san to walk you through all those finest details of my statement so that at the end of the day you are able to make plans your own plans to visit this exotic touristic destination called Tanzania - for your maximum leisure of even for trade and investment purposes.

Once again, thank you very much UCC and Ring of National Anthem Association for your support in cementing the bilateral relations and cultural exchanges between Japan and Tanzania through the love of coffee. 

This event serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the boundless possibilities that arise when individuals and organizations come together.

My final word of commendation goes to “those behind the scenes” who are forgotten all the time, unfortunately! I want to sincerely commend you for the job well done.

Friends,

Ladies and gentlemen,

May this coffee testing event be a celebration of the diversity and artistry of coffee;

May it further inspire us to cherish and preserve this remarkable beverage.

 

Domo Arigato Gozaimaishta

Thank you very much for your kind attention!