The Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Moldova manages to harmoniously combine diplomacy and dance. Yoshihiro Katayama forms part of the Moldova Dance Sport Federation and has practiced dance sport for a period. The diplomat said he has been fond of dance sport since he worked as an economic adviser at the Embassy of Japan in Kiev and started to practice this sport at the dance sport club Codreanca when he came to the Republic of Moldova, IPN reports.

Ambassador Katayama said the dance sport is an older passion of his that took shape in the Republic of Moldova. Owing to the support of Codreanca trainers, he started to more intensely practice this sport, taking part in national competitions, in the seniors category.

“During 2004-2008, I worked as an ambassador in Kiev. I lived alone as my wife had to remain in Tokyo together with our children who studied in Tokyo. I knew that I was to eat healthily and to do sport. Accidentally, I discovered dance sport and started to train while in Kiev yet. It is a hobby, a sport. For the purpose, I do not need the ministry’s permission. I’m lucky to work as an ambassador here, in the Republic of Moldova, where this tradition and this excellent dance school exist. I’m happy to be able to combine the intense work of ambassador and to continue doing dance sport,” His Excellence Ambassador of Joan to the Republic of Moldova Yoshihiro Katayama stated in a program on the public TV channel.

The diplomat noted that he manages to combine work at the embassy with the passion for dance and training is his main hobby during nonworking days. He would like to take part in international dance competitions and to represent the Republic of Moldova.

“I persuaded Irina Brînzari, who is among the first champions of Codreanca, to work with the ambassador. We intended to take part in a number of competitions, but some of the contests were suspended due to COVID-19. Now we hope to win a good place at the world seniors championships of the European program,” said the president of the Moldova Dance Sport Federation Petru Guzun.

The diplomatic relations between the Republic of Moldova and Japan were established on March 16, 1992. Japan recognized Moldova’s independence on December 28, 1991. In an interview for IPN News Agency, Ambassador Katayama said that two global manufacturers of car components, Fujikura and Sumitomo Electric Bordnetze, work in Moldova, each of them operating by two plants producing wire-harnesses. The companies created together over 6,000 well-paid jobs.