“I have dedicated my utmost efforts to deepen our bilateral partnership”
Edited by Anna Popper
Your Excellency, what impressed you most when you arrived in Hungary at the beginning of 2024?
– It has been my distinct pleasure and profound honour to serve as the Ambassador of Japan to Hungary. Since arriving in the beautiful city of Budapest, I have been deeply impressed by how closely music and art are integrated into daily life. The Hungarian people are remarkably warm-hearted and exceptionally hospitable. Japan and Hungary, with over 150 years of diplomatic relations, have cultivated a robust relationship in various fields, including politics, the economy, and culture, and we possess even greater potential for cooperation. During my tenure, I have dedicated my utmost efforts to further deepen our bilateral partnership and strengthen the friendly relations between our two countries, including addressing global challenges.
Looking back on your two years here, what would you highlight as your most important achievements in Japan–Hungary relations?
– A significant highlight of my tenure, which greatly fostered our bilateral exchanges, was undoubtedly Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. In May, I had the honour to accompany His Excellency President Sulyok on his visit to Osaka for Hungary’s National Day at the Expo.
During his week-long stay, the President held meaningful talks with His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and the then Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. He also visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki, giving him a unique opportunity to experience the Japanese people’s longstanding desire for a world free of nuclear weapons and for lasting peace.
Furthermore, five Hungarian cabinet ministers, including Mr. Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, visited the Expo and engaged in productive dialogues with their Japanese counterparts. The Hungarian Pavilion, beautifully designed by a Hungarian architect, garnered widespread acclaim as one of the most popular pavilions. The Expo provided a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange by showcasing Hungary’s rich culinary culture and traditional arts, and also played a catalytic role in creating new business opportunities between the economic circles of Hungary and Japan.
Japan is a key investor in Central Europe and has a strong presence in Hungary. Where do you see the greatest opportunities for Japan–Hungary cooperation in the coming years?
– Around 180 prominent Japanese companies operate throughout Hungary, including in regions such as Esztergom, Salgótarján, Pécs, Szombathely, and Mátészalka, collectively generating about 30,000 jobs. These Japanese companies in Hungary leverage the unique characteristics of each region while cooperating closely with local specialized schools and universities. This approach has fostered strong acceptance and integration within local governments and communities, enabling them to conduct business activities rooted in the region. Given Hungary’s abundance of talented individuals, I believe there is significant potential for further investment in research and development, as well as in innovative start-ups.
You have been especially active in cultural diplomacy. How has your work in Hungary shaped your understanding of its role in international relations?
– Countless Japan-related events have been held almost every week across this beautiful country. There are many Japan fans in Hungary, some of whom are engaged in fields that even surprise me. During my tenure, intellectual exchange events also took place through the unique cultures of both countries, such as dialogues between Japanese rakugo storytellers and Hungarian storytellers, and between Japanese kimono experts and Hungarian traditional embroidery experts. I am pleased to reflect that my (just under) two-year tenure has seen such initiatives further invigorate two-way cultural exchange and deepen mutual understanding between our nations.
From your perspective, how do Hungarians generally see Japan, and which aspects of Japan do you think they value most?
– Not only is the sentiment of Hungarians toward Japan extremely positive, but Japanese culture can also be said to be deeply interwoven into the fabric of daily Hungarian life. In Budapest, there are so many Japanese restaurants that I have lost count, and sushi is a supermarket staple, available in many places.
Amidst this, what I find endlessly impressive is the unwavering and serious dedication of Hungarians to traditional Japanese martial arts. The popularity of Japanese martial arts among Hungarians likely stems from the emphasis on respect, spiritual growth, and harmony of mind and body – values that deeply resonate with traditional Hungarian ideals.
Your Excellency, what will you take with you professionally or personally from Hungary as you embark on your next posting in Rome?
– Although I am sad to be leaving after what feels like a relatively brief two years, I must admit that, despite its duration, this period has been blessed with countless wonderful encounters, making it an unforgettable chapter of my life. At the same time, my tenure in Hungary has also continually reminded me of the historic juncture at which our global community stands. In an increasingly uncertain and volatile world, marked by intensified geopolitical competition, I believe the critical importance of nations that share common values and principles uniting to secure peace, stability, and prosperity for both our region and the world will remain an extremely crucial factor in my next posting as well.
As we have already entered 2026, what would be your wish for this year in a broader sense?
– Even after my departure from Hungary, I sincerely hope that the relationship between Japan and Hungary will continue to develop further, building upon its long history of friendly ties, and I wholeheartedly wish that our bilateral relations will grow ever stronger in 2026, yielding benefits for the people of both nations.
Personally, I also wish to remain a steadfast friend of Hungary. I hope to find opportunities to visit this beautiful city again – perhaps to participate in a marathon along the Danube or attend a concert at the Liszt Academy of Music.
Your Excellency, during your next visit to Hungary, another wonderful idea would be to enjoy a concert at the House of Music Hungary – an extraordinary new landmark in Budapest, designed by the world-renowned Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto as his “architectural magnum opus”. Since its opening in 2022, it has rapidly become a vibrant centrepiece of the city’s rich musical life.
A Visual Chronicle of a Dynamic Diplomatic Mission
This photo gallery captures memorable moments from Ambassador Hikariko Ono’s tenure in Hungary. From official engagements to cultural encounters, the images reflect her energetic, open and respectful approach to diplomacy and the vibrant, multifaceted relationship between Japan and Hungary. During her relatively short posting, Ambassador Ono carried out remarkably intensive and highly successful work, which we deeply appreciate.
Diplomacy and Social Activity
Cultural Activities
Farewell Visits
Ambassador Hikariko Ono paid a farewell visit to President Tamás Sulyok on 12 December. She thanked him for the excellent cooperation during her tenure, particularly for his visit to Japan in May as a Guest of the Osaka-Kansai 2025 World Expo. President Sulyok noted that Hungarian–Japanese friendship had deepened further in the past year, and both expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to strengthen.
Ambassador Ono also paid a farewell visit to László Kövér, Speaker of the National Assembly, to reaffirm the deepening of Hungary–Japan relationship.
To bid farewell, Ambassador Ono met Péter Hoppál, Chair of the Hungary–Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Ms. Márta Mátrai, House Marshal of the National Assembly, expressing appreciation for their close cooperation.
Farewell to Ambassadors Hosted by the Ambassador of Peru
A farewell reception was hosted by H.E. Edgard Arturo Pérez Alvan, Ambassador of Peru to Hungary and Ms. Lien Soto Pérez, at the Peruvian Residence, to bid farewell to the departing Ambassadors: Ms. Hikariko Ono of Japan, Mr. Jorge Roza de Oliveira of Portugal, and Mr. Christo Polendakov of Bulgaria. Numerous ambassadors from the diplomatic corps attended the event to wish them every success in the next chapter of their diplomatic careers.
Farewell Reception by the Ambassador of Japan
On 18 December, Ambassador Ono hosted a farewell reception at the residence, attended by Hungarian government officials, fellow ambassadors and representatives of the cultural life, to thank all those who had supported her work during her tenure.
Your Excellency, Dear Ambassador Hikariko Ono, thank you for granting the Diplomatic Press Agency the opportunity to conduct this farewell interview before your departure for Rome. We wish you Happy New Year 2026 and continued achievements in your next posting, and every success in your diplomatic career.
Source: Embassy of Japan in Budapest
Photos from the Embassy of Japan in Budapest, Facebook page of Ambassador Hikariko Ono, www.sandorpalota.hu and DPA
