Japanese Diplomat Leaves Greece With Cavafy on His Lips
A Japanese diplomat's farewell to Greece has gone viral for all the right reasons. Takaaki Nemoto, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Greece, posted a 71-second video on the embassy's Instagram account Friday, delivering his goodbye entirely in fluent Greek after four years in the country.
The message struck a nerve. Nemoto recited lines from Constantine Cavafy's 1911 poem "The God Abandons Antony", choosing the verse "As one long prepared, as one full of courage, say goodbye to her, to Alexandria that is leaving." He told viewers he was returning to Japan with Cavafy's words engraved in his heart.
"Να είστε όλοι καλά. Καλή αντάμωση." — Takaaki Nemoto, Japanese diplomat, departing Greece after four years
Nemoto thanked Greek friends and colleagues for their kindness, courtesy and hospitality, saying he was moved by the warmth he received throughout his posting. Greek media covered the video widely, with many outlets describing it as a model of cultural respect and genuine affection for the country.
He introduced his successor, Yoko Maejima, calling her an excellent and gracious colleague with deep knowledge of the Greek language. He asked Greeks to extend her the same trust and support they had shown him. His final words in Greek: "Να είστε όλοι καλά. Καλή αντάμωση." Be well, all of you. Until we meet again.
The Embassy of Japan described Nemoto's tenure as a period of strengthened ties between the two nations, built on mutual respect and shared bonds between the two peoples.
