Occupation:
Diplomat, Cultural and Tourism Affairs, Embassy of Tunisia
Time in Japan:
9 months
Where are you from?
Tunisia.
What brought you to Japan?
Diplomatic mission.
What do you do here?
I try to promote my country in the fields of tourism and culture.
How do you promote your country in Japan?
As part of our cultural activities we try to promote intercultural exchange and organize
art events, from music to painting for fairs, exhibitions and so on, held in Tokyo or
outside the city. We maintain close relations with government organizations in the
cultural sector, like The Japan Foundation. The other aspect of my job is aimed at
developing improved triangular cooperation within Japan, Europe and Tunisia.
What are your impressions of the tourist industry in Japan?
Regarding Tunisia, we are in a period of awakening. Most Japanese travellers are only now
beginning to find out about the history, culture and sights of Tunisia, generating a
desire to travel there. Of course, this awakening has been a result of timeless work by
professionals in the Japanese tourism sector, endorsing Tunisia as a favorable destination
to travel agencies and tour operators, issuing information and creating publicity. Our
best publicity, however, comes from the testimony of satisfied Japanese tourists who
actually have travelled to my country.
What kind of events do you organize to promote your country?
One recent event was a musical concert at the Shinjuku Bunka Center in March. It was a
musical encounter entitled "East Meets West," which brought together artists
from Tunisia, Japan and many Western countries, performing a wide variety of music and
using instruments particular to each region.
What' the most difficult problem you've ever faced in your job in Japan?
Believe it or not, the language. But this is a problem that can be resolved with a will to
learn. Sincerity and humility are the best forms of communication and are understood by
everyone.
What advice can you give travellers going to your country?
3000 years of history is bound to stir up anyone's curiosity, and the tales of ancient
Carthage and Hannibal are fascinating epics to uncover in Tunisia. The Sahara is the best
remedy to stress anywhere in the world. Tunisia is a very safe place and a hospitable host
to tourists, so it is no wonder that we receive some five million visitors each year from
all parts of the world.
What do you like about Japan most?
Apart from the lack of space, I appreciate having secure surroundings and the politeness,
kindness and the sense of discipline among the Japanese people fascinates me. Then the
beautiful views and other attractions of the country come next. Hanami, Sakura and other
marvelous images will always be a treasure for me.
If you could take one thing back from Japan to your native country, what would it
be? Tokyo Classified! Seriously, the art of Ikebana.
What's your recipe for a happy and successful life in Japan?
Japan is a country of a thousand and one resources. To succeed here one needs to adopt an
open mind, sane curiosity and, especially, embrace the virtue of humility. Each encounter
leads to a lesson in life, each day is a discovery which makes our job pleasant and
inspiring.
You can confine one person to eternity on the Chuo line and give one bottomless
credit account at Seibu Department store. Who would they be?
All the pretentious people around. The bottomless credit account goes to my daughter
For information on travelling to Tunisia, contact the Embassy of Tunisia, tel:
03-3353-4111.
Occupation:
LIFE IN JAPAN: