Japan’s Ambassador Reflects on a Productive Tenure in Samoa

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 10 December 2024 – The outgoing Japan Ambassador His Excellency Keisuke Senta reflected on his three year tenure in Samoa during his farewell speech on Monday night.

He arrived in Samoa in December 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and spent three weeks in quarantine.

During his 3-year tenure, he witnessed several epoch-making events in the history of Japan and Samoa and also noted a big change in the Samoan society.

“I saw a big change in Samoan society, from a rather stagnant period with closed international borders, challenging months to cope with the spread of Covid-19 community cases, recovery of economy and social activities after the reopening of the border, and most recently, successful hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM),” he said.

He noted Samoa’s yearlong celebration of her 60^th anniversary and he has a $60 Tala note as a souvenir and he enjoyed attending many celebrations including parades, songs and dances organized both in Upolu and Savai’i.

The 50^th anniversary of Samoa and Japan’s diplomatic relationship was celebrated in 2023 where they invited Japanese drum players who entertained at several schools.

A rugby fan
His Excellency loves rugby and whilst he cheered for Samoa when they played against other countries and “cheered for both when it comes to a match between Samoa and Japan.

“Manu Samoa and Japan had two matches last year. Samoa won the first game and Japan was lucky to win the second match in France,” he said.

He also noted the rivalry between Samoa and Japan’s younger teams.

“Every year Japan XV visits Samoa to take part in the Pacific Challenge Games, and nearly all Japanese citizens living in Samoa go to Apia Park to cheer up the boys from the land of Rising Sun,” he said.

On Grant Assistance Projects
Japan has assisted in many projects which included mostly schools and villages humanitarian projects.

Japan has either constructed new or renovated school buildings and they have done this with 14 schools including 5 colleges and 9 primary schools.

They have also responded to requests from the NGO’s, Government branches through water projects, safe housing and have donated much to the Ministry of Police and the Samoa Fire & Emergency Authority (SFESA).

He reflected on the return of the Japanese volunteer (JICA) scheme which was on hold because of COVID and assured that more volunteers will arrive to assist Samoa.

He only asks to make their stay in Samoa a valuable occasion to understand each other and to make the best use of their expertise.

His last official duty was signing a $7 million project for the Samoa Water Authority.

Re-affirming ties
For the first time in the history of Samoa and Japan diplomatic relationships, Ms. Yoko Kamikawa, Japan’s Foreign Minister visited in February and made a courtesy calls on the Head of State, met and discussed issues with the Minister of Women Social Development & Community, Mulipola Anarosa Molio’o and also visited SPREP.

“The Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa and Minister Kamikawa reaffirmed that Japan and Samoa have built cordial and cooperative relations over the years, celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year.”

“Kamikawa stated that, as the world is at a turning point in history, she would like to strengthen their relations with trust, based on shared values and principles between Japan and the Pacific Island countries, including Samoa, attaching the importance to regional unity and cohesion,” said Sante.

Their meeting ended in the signing of exchanged notes for the improvement of the facility of Faculty of Health, National University of Samoa (NUS) which was originally funded and built by Japan.

The outgoing envoy also enjoyed his private life in Samoa of snorkeling at the Palolo Deep or the Savaia, Lefaga Giant Clam Sanctuary, sailing and mountain trekking with the Samoa Conservation Society.

“I thank you all for making my life in Samoa very enjoyable, windy, salty and Taula beer,” said Sante.

In response, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa reflected on the success of Ambassador Sante’s tenure; especially his efforts in securing Japan’s inclusion in the coordinated development partners group to assist with Samoa’s gradual economic recovery and ensuring security and resilience against the challenges of COVID-19.

Fiame said there was a need to re-prioritize the existing development cooperation framework to meet the demands of the population across the range of sectors such as health, education, security, economic and others.

She acknowledged Ambassador Senta steadfastness in securing the new Lady Naomi 1V inter-island ferry and the Police Patrol Boat Tilafaiga, confirming Japan’s commitment to Maritime security and emergency operations.

“We have signed important MOU’s and agreements for various projects. Excellency, your last official duty was the signing of grant assistance under Japan’s Grant Assistance for the Economic and Social Development Programs for the procurement of a new drilling rig for the Samoa Water Authority valued at approximately SAT$7 million,” she said.

She also said the celebration of the 50^th anniversary marks a milestone that reinforces the stable relationship between the two countries.

Then she wished Ambassador Senta all the best.

Asked where his next appointment will be, Senta said, first, he will rest for three months.

“Because I am a lawyer, I think I will return to practicing law in Tokyo,” he said.

Ambassador Senta returned to Japan yesterday.