Outgoing Japanese ambassador to Australia, Shingo Yamagami, who is due to return to Tokyo on Saturday, took to Twitter this week to thank his driver Jim for ferrying him around in the embassy's Lexus since his arrival in Canberra in late 2020.
The ambassador, a class act, said Jim's "safe hands" took him to Sydney more than 30 times, Cowra nine times, Newcastle three times and the Blue Mountains twice.
Many thanks Jim, for your selfless devotion to driving the Lexus! Your safe hands brought me to SYD 30+ times, Cowra 9, Newcastle 3 & Blue Mtns 2. 🙏 for enduring my speech practice! Next time, I'll drive you, your son & your little grandson in my Toyota Alphard when you visit 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/aDrrSb8BZz
— Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo (@YamagamiShingo) April 26, 2023
Mr Yamagami also tweeted he had been gifted a Seiko watch by three former PMs - John Howard, Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison - inscribed "to Japan's greatest envoy in gratitude for your courage and intellectual leadership".
The watch, he said, was "in hues of familiar green reminiscent of the Australian landscape, it's inscribed with warm words of friendship. I shall wear it always as a precious reminder of Australia".
Very honoured and touched by this surprise gift from former PMs Howard, @HonTonyAbbott and @ScottMorrisonMP . In hues of familiar green reminiscent of the Australian landscape, it’s inscribed with warm words of friendship. I shall wear it always as a precious reminder of 🇦🇺. pic.twitter.com/OXdO6zHD7l
— Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo (@YamagamiShingo) April 25, 2023
Mr Yamagami's also had a farewell dinner with friends in Canberra where he was treated to pavlova and a rendition of Waltzing Matilda.
And always one to find the soul of a place, Mr Yamagami said the most memorable part of Canberra for him would be the bike paths in and around Lake Burley Griffin, where he spent many a time, no doubt dodging magpies.
"I've ridden 4600kms over 28 months! The legs are heavy, but the spirit is willing," he tweeted.
"All roads lead to Canberra, give or take a few roundabouts along the way."
