Japan 400

Commemorative Ceremony of the 400th anniversary of the founding of the
Hirado English Trading Post
Event Proceedings:
13:30 – Opening of the Ceremony
Vice Chairman of the Hirado Anniversary Committee, Mr. Yusuke Yoshizawa
13:31 – Unveiling Ceremony of the renovated Memorial of the English Trading Post in Hirado
① National Anthem (Bagpipe Band)
Background Information on the Memorial
Fanfare (Bagpipe Band)
② Unveiling Ceremony
* British Ambassador to Japan, HE Tim Hitchins
* Co-Chairman Japan 400, Mr. Nicolas Maclean of Pennycross CMG
* Mayor of Hirado City, Mr. Naruhiko Kuroda
* Chairman of the Hirado Anniversary Committee, Mr. Miyoshi Fujisawa
③ Commemorative Photo
Moving from the memorial site to the ceremony stage, led by the
Bagpipes
13: 50 – Organizer’s Ceremonial Address Mayor of Hirado City, Mr. Naruhiko Kuroda
13:55 – Congratulatory Speeches by the Guests of Honour British Ambassador to Japan, HE Tim Hitchins
Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Rt Hon Fumio Kishida
Co-chairman Japan 400, Mr. Nicolas Maclean of Pennycross CMG
14:25 – Introductions of other Guests of Honour
14:30 – Lecture on the history of exchanges between the United Kingdom and Hirado Matsura Historical Museum Director, Mr. Yoshiharu Okayama
14:45 – Ten Minute Break
14:55 – Attraction By Singer-Songwriter Mr. Oniichiro Tatsuzaki
15:05 – Introduction of Cultural Exchange Chatham Grammar School for Boys, Ikitsuki Elementary School & Yamada Elementary School
15:20 – Hanging Basket Contest Award Ceremony
15:25 – Presentation of the English cemetery excavation workshop results – Representative of workshop group
15:30 – Closing of the Ceremony
Vice Chairman of the Anniversary Committee, Mr. Takeshi Matsuoka