Norway Constitution Day & Prime Minister Visit!
- Tokyo, May 17 & 26, 2003
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| Most Norwegians in Japan are missionaries, at fact that may come as a surprise to many. The church in Norway is run by the government, and bishops are usually elected by politicians. The missionaries that come to Japan are, however, usually employed by independent religious groups. | In addition to missionaries, some Norwegians in Japan are employed by shipping companies, and even more are employed by trading firms exporting various seafood products to Japan. Since there are not many Norwegians in Japan, we are all happy to meet at the Norwegian embassy every May 17 to celebrate Norway's constitution day. |
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| Norway's constitution is famous for article 2, which originally stated: "Jesuits and Monastic orders shall not be tolerated. Jews are furthermore excluded from the Kingdom". Apart from that, the constitution was largely tolerant and enlightened in nature, though the hatred against Jews lives on as strongly as ever. Currently, this hatred is usually concentrated in intense attacks on the state of Israel. | The constitution day in Japan is celebrated in relatively traditional manner with Norwegian food and games. Most Norwegians take great pride in the fact that the day is marked by parades of children rather than of military personnel. Considering that 43% of Norwegian marriages end in divorce, Norwegian kids definitely need a day to be celebrated once in a while. |
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| After the embassy party, Yuka and I continued on to the Danish restaurant "Cafe Daisy" in Roppongi. Although Scandinavian food tends to be very expensive in Tokyo, it is certainly worth the experience once in a while. | Yuka was somewhat surprised to see how long we managed to sit and chat about various issues. Since Norwegians do not get together very often in Japan, the evening usually proves to be very long once they do. |
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| Finally, on May 26, I was invited to the official establishment of the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce at Hotel New Otani in Tokyo. The following day, I attended the Norwegian prime minister's official dinner reception at the same hotel. | On May 26, I managed to exchange a few words with Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik, though he appeared to be generally tired and disoriented after many boring meetings. Later the same day, Japan experienced one of its biggest earthquakes in many years. I am sure that woke him up! |