Torajiro Ohashi, a senior counselor at Tilleke & Gibbins who currently serves as the 50th president of the Japanese Association in Thailand, had the honor of meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister Mr. Shinzo Abe on January 17, 2013. Following this high-level meeting, Mr. Ohashi was the subject of a feature interview in the Bangkok Shuho, the leading Japanese newspaper in Southeast Asia.

In the interview, Mr. Ohashi stated, “This year will be the 100-year anniversary of the Japanese Association in Thailand, signifying the long relationship between Thailand and Japan. Our associations have tried our best to develop a grassroots relationship between Japan and Thailand, meaning we focus directly on the people-to-people relationship aspect, not on the governmental level. This year, the Japanese Association in Thailand will organize many charity events and activities to celebrate this special occasion.”

In addition, Mr. Ohashi wished to relay to all Japanese in Thailand that, “The 100-year long relationship was not achieved without hardship, as both countries have faced natural disasters, such as the recent tsunami in Japan and flooding in Thailand. But with our mutual aid, these difficult situations have been made easier. We hope that all Japanese consider Thai people as our family. We have to trust each other and maintain this strong relationship for both countries’ benefit.”

To read the full interview in Japanese, please click on the link below.