His Excellency Manlio Cadelo of the Republic of San Marino

Fascinated by the national character and culture of Japan

■ Profile

He has lived in Japan for approximately 40 years and has a deep understanding of Shinto, and in June 2014 he worked hard with the Japan-San Marino Friendship Association when a Japanese shrine was built in San Marino.
He widely disseminates the good things about Japan and its culture, and has also written books.
"That's why Japan is respected by the world" and "Japan's 'ordinary things' that impress the world" (both published by Shogakukan Shinsho). His latest publication is "Good manners, a good life!" (published by Bensei Publishing).

The Republic of San Marino is a beautiful country located in central-eastern Italy, covering an area of ​​61 square kilometers and surrounded by nature. We spoke to Manlio Cadelo, San Marino's ambassador to Japan and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Japan, who represents the ambassadors of other countries, about his journey so far and the attractions of Japan and San Marino.

From journalist to ambassador and then head of the diplomatic corps in Japan

　I wasn't particularly studious as a student. I was not good at math, and I was a laid-back student who only studied my favorite subjects, history and languages. Ever since I was a child, I've been interested in the origins of various words, asking questions like, "What does Washington mean?" and "Where do words like OK and Ciao (the Italian greetings) come from?" So I majored in etymology in college. I also studied a variety of languages, including German, Portuguese, and French. At the time, I didn't study Japanese much. After graduating from university, I became a journalist, working as a Japan correspondent for an Italian newspaper before moving to Japan and building my career. Being a journalist allows me to interview a wide variety of people across a wide range of genres, which was very interesting. I've had the opportunity to interview some very interesting people, including a German spy and the first female Japanese climber to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest.
　I continued working as a journalist for 26 years, but the constant pressure to meet deadlines was beginning to take a toll on my physical strength. Then, during a visit to San Marino, I was approached about serving as the Republic of San Marino's consul in Japan. I accepted the offer, feeling there wouldn't be much difference between being a journalist and a consul (laughs). I served as consul for over 10 years, and in 2002 became San Marino's first ambassador to Japan. Now, as the longest-serving ambassador, I also serve as the representative of other ambassadors stationed in Japan and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Japan. The most important role of an ambassador is to foster friendship between countries. I try to avoid boasting about my own country alone or expressing strong opinions. It's important to strike a balance between each country.

■The charm of Japan

　What first got me interested in Japan wasParisI made a Japanese friend at university. He was my classmate and the son of a judge at the Dutch Supreme Court at the time. He taught me about Japan and took me to the Japanese embassy on the anniversary of Emperor Showa's birthday. There were many Japanese people wearing kimonos, and we enjoyed delicious Japanese food and sake. Japanese people bowed frequently to each other, and I found them very charming because they had good manners and were serious. 　
　The great thing about Japan is not only the character of the Japanese people, but also its culture. For example, Shinto, one of Japan's religions, is a wonderful example of traditional Japanese culture. To be honest, I don't consider Shinto a religion at all. I believe it embodies the wonderful Japanese philosophies of ecology and peace. The female deity Amaterasu Omikami holds the throne and brings peace to the world, and nature holds a special meaning, with the eight million gods residing in all things, including the sky, sea, and fish. While there are now many Christian churches in Japan, an imported religion, until a few years ago, there was not a single Shinto shrine in Europe. Therefore, in 2014, I founded a shrine in San Marino together with the Japan-San Marino Friendship Association to commemorate the victims of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and to preserve the precious Japanese culture of Shinto in San Marino. The fact that Europe's first Shinto shrine was established in San Marino remains one of my proudest accomplishments.

■The Charm of the Republic of San Marino

　San Marino is the world's fifth smallest country, covering an area of ​​61 km2, and is the world's oldest republic. Almost the entire city is registered as a World Heritage Site, and it is a fascinating country with historically and culturally valuable sites scattered throughout the city. With a small population of around 30,000 and no military, it does not need to impose high taxes. The food is delicious, the security is good, there is no consumption tax, national health insurance is 100% guaranteed, and welfare is generous, making it an easy place to live. Plus, there are five museums, so you'll never get bored. For me, San Marino is the ideal country.
　Furthermore, compared to other countries, San Marino has a unique political system. Every six months, two leaders are replaced. This is to prevent corruption that could occur if the government is in power for a long time, and to give the people more opportunities to participate in politics. Another interesting aspect is that each politician has a full-time job. This means that the people know the most about domestic issues.

■Message to university students

　Please study Japanese culture thoroughly. When you study your own culture, you will discover wonderful aspects of your roots that you never knew existed, and you may be surprised. For example, do you know the origins of the national flag, which is now an indispensable symbol of nations around the world? In fact, it all began over 1300 years ago when Emperor Mommu of Japan saw the rising sun and created the "Hinomaru" (Japanese flag) to represent the red sun and white sky.
　Understand your own culture and accumulate knowledge and culture. Then, when you go abroad someday, try to surprise people abroad with the knowledge of your own culture that surprised you.

Interview with Student Newspaper Online on February 8, 2021 by Mayu Wakiyama, 3rd year student at Tsuda University