By being curious and open about the customs and practices of the countries that make up the UK — and taking us along for the ride — Ambassador Suzuki is playing a diplomatic blinder. It’s a genius soft power move, something Japan has always been very adept at. Not many people are thinking about historic Japanese war crimes when the country gave the world sushi, ramen, Anime, Manga, Pokémon, Nintendo, Studio Ghibli, and truly incredible stationery.
