Japanese Ambassador Embraces West Midlands Culture, Dons Peaky Blinders Attire
– Hiroshi Suzuki, the Japanese Ambassador to the United Kingdom, spent Wednesday immersing himself in the culture of the West Midlands, culminating in a visit to the Black Country Living Museum where he dressed as a character from the hit BBC series *Peaky Blinders*.
Ambassador Suzuki, who assumed his post in , has gained a following for his enthusiastic engagement with British life. He was accompanied on his visit by a Paddington Bear toy, a recurring companion in his public appearances.
The Black Country Living Museum, a key filming location for the BAFTA-winning *Peaky Blinders*, provided the backdrop for Suzuki’s foray into the world of 19th-century industrial Britain. He and Paddington were outfitted in attire reminiscent of the show’s characters and toured the museum, observing traditional chain-making demonstrations.
The visit wasn’t solely about experiencing British popular culture. Ambassador Suzuki also sampled local cuisine, trying fish and chips, and learned some regional phrases, including “by order of the Peaky Blinders,” “Bostin’,” and “alright, Bab?”
However, the ambassador emphasized the economic ties between Japan and the West Midlands. “Roughly 40 Japanese companies invested and operate here in the West Midlands region as a whole, and they are creating so many jobs,” he stated, highlighting the importance of the relationship.
Suzuki expressed hope that his visit would encourage Japanese tourism to the region. He explained that through his public engagements, including bringing Paddington Bear along, he aims to convey “my love and affection for British people and British culture because Japanese people love British culture.” He hopes the resulting media coverage will inspire his Japanese followers to visit.
This visit to Dudley follows recent trips to Birmingham City Football Club, where he observed the team’s three Japanese players, and to the iconic Bullring bull statue in Birmingham.
Prior to his appointment as Ambassador to the UK, Suzuki served as Ambassador of Japan to India and Bhutan from to . He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in after graduating from the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Law.
According to a Facebook post by Richard Parker, it was a “privilege to host His Excellency Hiroshi Suzuki, Japanese Ambassador to the UK, to the West Midlands.”
Suzuki’s previous engagements have included attending a Celtic football match, where he enjoyed a “wee swally” beforehand, according to reports.
