Carefully-erected skyscrapers, constructions that give one absolute confidence despite being in an earthquake region, multi-layered roads and underground transportation systems, competing with those above the ground , are are indicators of development. Neatness, cleanliness and meticulousness are felt all over the place. The politeness and smiling faces of the Japanese people welcome you right from the airport.
The economy, that entered a recession during the 1990s after a rapid growth rate in the 1980s, has been struggling in the last couple of years with deflation, social security system problems, huge public debts.and fiscal crisis.
However, there have been some noticeable improvements during the last few months. The growth rate, increase in investments in the private sector and exports, have created an optimistic atmosphere.
The economic and commercial relations between Japan and Turkey have so far not reached the desired level. Our foreign trade has a big deficit in Japan's favor. However, our ambassador to Tokyo, Solmaz Unaydin, is hopeful. He says the recent Tokyo visit of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his large entourage is a new starting point in relations.
The sector that leads in relations between the two countries is the automotive sector. The first major investment, aimed at production in this field, started with Isuzu in 1984. Today, Japanese investments in Turkey amount to $1.7 billion.
There is an interesting story that lies behind Japanese investments. I listened to this story in Tokyo, from Takashi Morinaga, one of the heroes of the incident. Morinaga is the former general director of Itochu in Turkey. He is currently the chairman of Itochu Consulting Ltd.
During the time when the Iran-Iraq war was at its peak, [Iraqi leader] Saddam Hussein decreed that from 08.00 a.m. on March 19, 1985, any plane flying over Iran would be brought down. The Japanese, who were stranded in Iran because they could not find any plane, were in a state of fearful anticipation. Just at that moment, with the directives of [the late] Turgut Ozal, the Turkish prime minister at the time, a plane belonging to the Turkish Airlines (THY) landed in Tehran and brought 215 Japanese to Ankara, minutes before the expiration of the duration. Ozal responded quickly to the request of his close friend Morinaga.Hence, Ozal made giants strides in Turkish-Japanese relations with this sensitivity. The Japanese have not forgotten this kindness and attribute great meaning to this gesture.
Morinaga talks about this incident with appreciation and thankfulness, because there had been no criticism whatever from the Turkish public regarding this operation, which had put the lives of Turkish pilots at risk. He says: "There are a lot of countries in the world that are friends of Japan, but the greatest friend is Turkey."
After this incident, Itochu donated two Isuzu vehicles to the THY. And after that, even though Turkey was listed among the risky countries investment-wise, Itochu became a partner with Anadolu Isuzu, that had just started manufacturing at the time. Morinaga says: "Ozal became very happy when he heard the news of our investment decision. Our success attracted giant manufacturers like Bridgestone and Toyota to Turkey."
When the THY wanted to start flights to Tokyo in 1989, Japanese authorities did not give permission, and wanted to direct THY flights to Osaka. However, Itochu administrators reminded them of the THY [rescue] operation and the issue was resolved immediately
There is an important institution in Tokyo, that contributes significantly to Turkish-Japanese friendship, and builds bridges between two countries: The Turkey and Central Asia Cultural Center.Situated in the center of the city, this institution teaches mainly Turkish and Central Asian languages. At least 5,000 Japanese have been taught Turkish so far. The manager of the center, Yildiz Tandogan, says the ladies in particular pay great attention to the courses. She also says: "There are lots of Japanese who admire Turkey. There are some who collect carpets , set up a.Turkish corner in their homes, and others who learn about Turkish cuisine. "
"As a nation, we are very similar to each other," said Isuzu Chairman Yoshinori Ida, during his talks with us This 'similarity' and closeness mean solid ground for relations. Even though the geographical distance appears to be a disadvantage, the nearness in the hearts and minds can carry these ties to a good point in a short period of time If only the opportunities are exploited well...
June 2, 2004
