On a cold windy Monday night in mid - September out of the Arrivals gate of Cardiff Airport trundled a huge pink suitcase, being pushed by an exhausted lady who appeared to be overshadowed by the enormity of persuading the case to go in the direction she required.
The lovely lady carrying out this battle was Police Inspector Saori Kimura from the National Police Academy of the Japan Police Force. Saori had contacted me several months previous to advise that she would be visiting Wales for a week to attend the 17th Annual Conference of the European Society of Criminology at Cardiff University. During the Conference Saori was also listed to offer a Presentation on Anti-Terrorism in Japan. Being an IPA member Saori had prepared the groundwork in advance to ensure that she would have some friendly contacts during her visit.
The first problem however for Saori was the 65mph cold winds that were blowing across South Wales upon her arrival – for which she had arrived from a very hot country, totally unprepared as regards warm waterproof clothing. So, as soon as we arrived at the hotel in the city centre, she was off like a rocket to purchase something suitable. I never cease to be amazed as to how a lady can manage to find the simplest excuse to buy new clothing. But who was I a mere male, to question such ideas.
And so, early on the Tuesday morning I arrived at the hotel to collect Saori in preparation for a visit to the Cardiff Bay Police Station which had been previously arranged with the kind assistance of the South Wales Chief Constable, Mr Peter Vaughan, QPM. Despite a fourteen hour flight the previous day, Saori was ready and waiting, full of enthusiasm for to her visit.
On arrival we were met by Detective Sergeant Kelly Hill who acted as a most enthusiastic guide for the morning. During the visit, Saori met with Superintendent Steve Murray and Chief Inspector Jackie Johnson who greatly assisted in outlining the various departmental structures and responsibilities.
Following an earlier request to me, Saori was then provided the opportunity for a very informal meeting with female officers to discuss what turned out to be wide differences in both cultural attitudes and professional opportunities for females within the Police Service. Being by far the oldest person present I did in fact remain in the conference room and was able to offer anecdotal memories as to how female officers were treated prior to the early 1980’s – being assigned to school crossing patrols, missing persons and making the tea for the men.
During the conversations, Saori mentioned that the topic for her Presentation at the forthcoming Crime Convention was to be regarding Terrorism in Japan. Almost immediately she was introduced to Chief Inspector Mark Hoborough, who was able, following his security work at the UEFA event in Cardiff, to offer some guidelines for the Presentation ahead.
Saori eventually left the police station extremely impressed with not only everything she had seen as regards the operational state of the facility, but the genuine warmth and friendliness that she had felt from everyone she met during the visit. She did also admit to me that such openness and relaxed conversation would be difficult for a female police officer in Japan, due to the more reserved cultural attitude. In addition of course, she was introduced to traditional Welsh Bara Brith cake and Welsh cakes during the refreshments, leaving in fact with a packet of those finest cakes to be later consumed.
The one thing that quickly became evident was the way in which Saori would always move quickly forward to open doors for me and also walk very slightly one step behind me, both of which she advised are the custom for ladies in Japan. She did say however that she has definitely said a big ‘No’ to that custom as regards to her husband, who is also a police officer. So that custom was also quickly put to rest whilst in my company.
During an afternoon sightseeing in the City Centre I introduced Saori to the Welsh Love Spoon shop, explaining that they were presented to ladies by the man as a token of his romantic feelings. Further around the shop we came upon a small slate item with the term ‘Cwtch’ engraved upon it. Now the word ‘cwtch’ is a famous Welsh term for a very special cuddle between close friends. I was ever so tempted to provide a practical demonstration of this special skill, but felt that it might be taking my duties as the Region international liaison a step to far.
Later that evening we met with a number of Branch members at the Y Mochyn Du pub/restaurant in the city, where we enjoyed much laughter between those present and many gifts were exchanged, including a ferocious evil Dilwyn Dragon. Despite the opportunity to sample various Welsh dishes, Saori felt safer with a simple Italian based meal.
During the rest of the week Saori attended the Conference at the University, where the several hundred participants attending were treated to an opening reception that included a top Welsh Male Voice Choir. I understand that Saori gave a successful Presentation to her particular plenary group, albeit she admitted to being very nervous during the opening stages due to what she considered to be her limited grasp of English. She also took the opportunity to visit local tourist sites such as Cardiff Castle and the Principality Rugby Stadium
Saturday afternoon was the close of the Conference and it provided an opportunity for a farewell meal at the really excellent and famous Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant in the City, prior to the long flight home the following morning. Whether Saori will take the opportunity to practice the really Welsh ‘Cwtch’ on her husband when they meet, only time will tell.
So ended a really enjoyable visit by a most charming guest to Wales, who on times had some real problems with understanding the very close and easy style of affection that was evident between IPA friends, both male and female, several of whom were meeting for the first time at the restaurant.
Denis Hunt Regional Secretary 4 Region
