Tomasz Gvozdowski, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Japan

■Republic of Poland
Poland is a landlocked republic in Central Europe. Its capital is Warsaw. Its area is 313,900 square meters, about four-fifths the size of Japan. Its population is approximately 37.6 million. The language is Polish, and its currency is the zloty. Poland ceased to exist as a state for 123 years from 1795, but regained independence in 1918. Karol Nawrocki will serve as president from August 2025.

Tomasz Gvozdowski, Deputy Chief of Staff, Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Japan

Reasons for becoming a diplomat

Ever since I was a child, I've dreamed of becoming a diplomat. When I was a university student, I traveled to Korea for the first time and lived with three families for a month and a half. That experience still lives on today. I learned that there are people who see the world from a completely different perspective than I had seen before. I learned that there isn't necessarily just one way of looking at things. The job of a diplomat allows me to broaden my horizons.
Furthermore, I am not just a diplomat, but also the Director of the Political and Economic Affairs Department. Working as a director overseas is tough. There are people working in environments different from their home countries, and they are under a lot of stress. Managing their personal lives while also taking them into consideration is particularly challenging.

▼Poland's national character

Poles are hospitable. They are open to foreign cultures and people, and many of them are fluent in English. Also, due to historical reasons, there have been times when people were forced to flee their country. As a result, many people remained in the countries where they emigrated, and there are still Polish communities in EU member states today. For this reason, Poles tend to enjoy traveling abroad.
My impression of Japan is that the language and customer service standards are high even by global standards, which is amazing. Among my Polish acquaintances and colleagues who have lived in Japan, I have never met anyone who disliked Japan. Everyone was sad to leave, and although I myself only have a short time left in my term, I am worried about whether I will ever find a country that I like more than Japan.

What is the appeal of Poland?

There are many forests and wildlife, so you can feel close to nature. The topography also shows the influence of both Western and Eastern Europe. Poland has historically seen the coexistence of a wide variety of people, including Germans, Jews, and Russians, and its culture has been formed through this. For example, the port city of Gdaninsk is a historic city on the Baltic Sea coast, with a culture that is a mix of German and Polish. In areas influenced by Eastern Europe, you can experience Lithuanian, Russian, and Islamic atmospheres.
Poland is a tolerant and democratic country.
This is because kings have been elected since the 15th century. In music, Chopin, who was born in Poland, is famous. Chopin's music can be felt in various places in Poland. In Warsaw, where Chopin was born, there are places where his music is played from benches.

▼What I want to say to Japanese students

It's hard to find time once you start working, so I want students to learn English and other languages ​​while they're still students. I also want them to travel a lot and learn that there are people with different ways of thinking.

Interview with Ayami Matsuyama, a first-year student at Aoyama Gakuin University, published by Student Newspaper Online on November 13, 2025

■Special information recommended by the runner-up!!

Poland's specialties are amber and silver products, and there is a wide variety, from traditional necklaces to unique ornaments by young artists. Ceramics and rare stone jewelry are also attractive. Famous foods include sausages, goat's milk cheese, apple wine, and Torun gingerbread. There is also a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, such as vodka and mead, which are major exports.

Shimada Daiki, fourth-year student at Hosei University / Abe Rurika, second-year student at Showa Women's University / Wakao Mai, third-year student at International Christian University / Matsuyama Ayami, first-year student at Aoyama Gakuin University