Date of publication: Jun 25, 2018
Titus M.J. Abu-Basutu
- Ambassador
- Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe www.embassyin.jp/zimbabwe
Date of birth: June 2, 1956
Hometown: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 2.5 (as of June 2018)
Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?
First impressions last longest. I arrived in Japan toward the end of 2015. On arrival, I was impressed by the solidness and general discipline and orderliness of Japanese people, and their respectfulness. It was interesting to see people so organized and courteous in their daily conduct and carrying forward their culture. I noted the standard of environmental cleanliness and the spirit of good neighborliness. Because of this, the Japanese came across as a solid people.
Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.
Generally, my motto is, “Select and stay the course.” My approach is that one must examine available facts, weigh the alternative options and select the best or appropriate course. Once selected, stay on course to the best of one's ability, adjusting accordingly as the situation demands, in order to attain the desired outcome.
Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?
I am proud to be of service to my country. However, being selected to be the ambassador to Japan is the proudest chapter of my career. This is because Japan, the architect of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development is a very important development partner and champions development from a qualitatively superior perspective anchored in skills enhancement and advancing projects with a wider impact on communities. Countries and regions are helped to build on the national, intraregional and continental synergies to grow the economy and enhance active participation in the world economy.
Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?
In regard to my goals, I wish to expose to as many Japanese and corporate individuals the environment in my country; i.e. individual and business environments, with a view of encouraging people-to-people exchanges and business-to-business exchanges in the context of enhancing bilateral relations. This, I believe, enhances mutual understanding, economic development and betterment of people’s standard of living in a developing country like Zimbabwe.
Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?
My advice is to take the time to learn and understand the way of doing things in Japan, and also do the same to enhance good communication. In summary, do like the Japanese do — therefore, “be Japanese.”
Last updated: Jun 25, 2018