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Culture

Watch: Japan ambassador learns Welsh anthem before trip to Wales

By David Owens
Japan's ambassador to the UK, Hiroshi Suzuki, sings the Welsh national anthem (X/Twitter)

Japan's ambassador to the UK has had a go at learning the Welsh national anthem before traveling to Wales.

In a video on his X account (formerly Twitter), Hiroshi Suzuki sang the Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau while holding Welsh and Japanese flags and a red dragon toy.

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He said he had been practicing to "sing the song Japanese people were singing to the Welsh rugby team" in the 2019 World Cup.

He added that he was "looking forward to my trip to Wales" as he visited the country for the second time.

Looking forward to my trip to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
Hwyl, gweld chi’n fuan! pic.twitter.com/MGFtzZuEoC

— Hiroshi Suzuki (@AmbJapanUK) January 6, 2025

The Welsh Government has designated 2025 as the 'Year of Wales in Japan', with a number of events organised between the two countries.

These include the Welsh rugby squad touring Japan during 2025 - playing two test matches in the country on July 12 and 19.

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7 comments

Welsh_Siôn

Spot the difference. A foreign dignitary shows respect for our country, our language and our national anthem. A foreign politician is chosen (I did say 'chosen' not 'elected') to represent us in the UK Parliament, refuses to sign official documents written in our language and mouths our National Anthem like an inebriated goldfish. John Redwood 'sings' (1993) My verdict. 10/10 Mr. Suzuki 0/10 Mr. Redwood

Reply
Wiwergoch

This is wonderful, da iawn!

Reply
Daniel Pitt

Love this man already

Reply
Garycymru

Nice to see Wales getting a very basic level of respect. Let's hope this catches on with our own politicians.

Reply
Johnny Gamble

This is better than the lousy effort by Tom Jones in Las Vegas at the Calzaghe v Hopkins fight.

Reply
Fanny Hill

Let’s hope Max Boyce’s little ditty never reaches his ears.

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Yoshiko Arima

As a Japanese, I am proud of him and his efforts! The Welsh language sounds challenging!!...

Reply

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Replying to Fanny Hill Cancel

Let’s hope Max Boyce’s little ditty never reaches his ears.

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