On the 30th, Governor Tamaki of Okinawa Prefecture apologized by phone to the Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan for his statement, "I'm Zelensky."

On the 25th of this month, Governor Tamaki of Okinawa Prefecture said, "I'm Zelensky," just before the online meeting of experts started, and then apologized, saying, "It was a careless remark."



Regarding this statement, Okinawa Prefecture revealed that Governor Tamaki called the Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Korsunsky for about 15 minutes after 11:00 am on the 30th and apologized directly.



According to the prefecture, Governor Tamaki said, "When I was seated, other attendees were exchanging opinions about Ukraine and made statements without any special meaning. It made me feel uncomfortable and caused a great deal of trouble to President Zelensky and Ambassador Korsunsky. I sincerely apologize. "



In response, Ambassador Korsunsky said, "I understand the situation well. I don't think this will affect the relationship between Japan, Okinawa and Ukraine. I am receiving support from everyone in Japan and Okinawa. I am looking forward to going to Okinawa as soon as possible and talking about the future development of the relationship. Please understand that I have accepted the apology. "