Israeli delegation
Photo: Israeli embassy in Tokyo
PM Koizumi
Photo: Reuters
Japan PM hosts Israelis, Palestinians
Junichiro Koizumi tells young guests about ability of Japan and United States to forge deep friendship despite past wars, calls on youngsters to draw personal inspiration. Japanese leader says he is interested in visiting Israel, Palestinian Authority
A Japanese hug: A delegation of Israeli youngsters from the southern town of Sderot and Palestinian youngsters from Gaza had the chance to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at his Tokyo residence.
The meeting was also attended by Israeli Ambassador to Japan Eli Cohen and the Palestinian representatives in the country.
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Cohen told Ynet that during the session, Koizumi told the youngsters about the earlier bloodshed and animosity between Japan and the U.S. and about Japanese kamikaze pilots, who in retrospect gave their life for no reason.
The Japanese leader stressed that despite the deep animosity of the past, Japan and America have been able to forge a deep friendship and called on his guests to draw personal inspiration from the story.
Koizumi, who wanted to illustrate his point in a more powerful manner, led the youngsters to a special hall where photos of a completely destructed Tokyo, following allied bombings, are displayed alongside images of current day Tokyo, Japan's prosperous capital.
Notably, the meeting did not follow the strict rules normal at such sessions. Cohen said the prime minister's associates asked all guests, including the adults, to arrive at the meeting casually dressed. Koizumi himself wore a white shirt but no suit or tie.
The casual dress code was adopted in Japan recently in a bid to save on energy expenses in light of the heavy use of air-conditioners.
Japan expects official Sharon visit in fall
The Israeli-Palestinian delegation visited Japan as the official guest of the city of Ayaba, on the initiative of the Peres Center for Peace.
Koizumi also noted his country was assisting the Palestinian Authority and the peace process, and would be glad to offer its help to Israel as well. One of the Israeli girls in the delegation asked the prime minister whether he planned to visit here, and Koizumi said he is interested in coming to Israel, but quickly added he is also interested in visiting the Palestinian Authority.
The Japanese leader also told his guests he chose to receive them in a room usually reserved for high-ranking international delegations. He said he also hosted Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in the room several months ago, and expressed his hope that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will also be visiting soon.
Meanwhile, Ynet has learned that Japan is expecting an official Sharon visit in Tokyo in the fall, regardless of the upcoming Japanese election results.
