Japanese diplomats like Hiroshi Suzuki, the ambassador to the U.K., are using social media, humor and local culture to build influence, win hearts and project soft power in ways traditional diplomacy cannot. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/03/02/japan/art-of-modern-diplomacy/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #commentary #japan #hiroshisuzuki #uk #ukjapanrelations #paddingtonbear #shinzoabe
Paddington, pints and the art of modern diplomacy

'48 times the Japanese ambassador made us proud to be British,” gushes one typical headline.

The Japan Times

Pleasant milestones from the year's journey through music appreciation, 2023.

#HiroshiSuzuki - "Cat"

https://open.spotify.com/album/7DIXqjTX8IlgSKRR7DrhB9?si=U_swXO9kSfaGGe5nclq1KA

#jazz #JJazz #Japan #Trombone

キャット

鈴木 弘 · Album · 1976 · 5 songs.

Spotify

#NowSpinning the first of a bunch of Christmas records, #Cat by #HiroshiSuzuki.

I was unfamiliar with this record & label (#WeReleaseJazz). The #music is smooth #jazz with funk elements, Suzuki’s trombone playing front & centre. Having said that, the bass solos - particularly across side A - are mesmerizing.

The source isn’t clear, so I’m assuming a digital step, however, the SQ is incredible - crisp, dynamic, & plenty of punch.

#NowListening #NowPlaying #VinylRecords #Music

Words cannot express how good this half speed sounds. Hiroshi Suzuki is unmatched and this wax really does him justice.

Ask your local record shop to bring one in, they're in stock now and more affordable than you'd expect.

#vinyl #jazz #bossanova #halfspeedmaster #trombone #freejazz #experimentalmusic #hiroshisuzuki #suzuki #cat #hiroshisuzukicat #hifi #audiophile