The JDZB mourns the loss of its president, H. E. Ambassador (ret.) Nakane Takeshi who passed away unexpectedly on October 12, 2022, at the age of only 73, as a result of a tragic accident. 

Mr. Nakane served as Ambassador of Japan to the Federal Republic of Germany (2012 to 2016), among other positions, and most recently served in an advisory capacity at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan as Ambassador for Science and Technology Cooperation. 

In 2018, he was appointed President of the Japanese-German Center Berlin and supported the process of strategic realignment of our foundation with full power and great energy. We had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Nakane to Berlin in person most recently in May to the last meeting of our board. On this occasion, he also took part in the annual meeting of the umbrella organization of German-Japanese Associations (VDJG) in Frankfurt as Vice President of the umbrella organisation of Japanese-German Associations. We are grateful for the time we spent together.

Ambassador Nakane was an extraordinary expert on Europe as well as a great friend of Germany and always supported our bilateral relations with outstanding commitment. He also rendered great services in the field of security policy, where he dealt with disarmament issues in various high-ranking functions. He also loved culture - especially German classical music.

We are shocked and saddened. Our thoughts are with his family, to whom we wish much strength at this difficult time.

In the name of JDZB,
Dr. Julia Münch, Secretary General
Kiyota Tokiko, Deputy Secretary General

Photo (c): Embassy of Japan in Germany