Japanese ambassador celebrates Derbyshire links

The Ambassador of Japan to the UK has been celebrating his country’s Derbyshire links at a recent event held at Chatsworth, which is part of the Devonshire Group.

Ambassador Hayashi and his wife Dr Hayashi were welcomed to Chatsworth Country Fair earlier this month by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, on a visit to mark 24 years since the twinning of Derbyshire and Toyota City in Japan.

During his time at the three-day event, Ambassador Hayashi visited the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire Marketplace, which showcased Derbyshire-made items, ranging from arts, crafts and homeware to fine food and drink.

The marketplace is part financially supported by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund project, which aims to support the growth of small and medium-sized visitor economy businesses in Derbyshire.

Jo Dilley, managing director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We were delighted to mark the third successful year of the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire Marketplace with our biggest celebration of Derbyshire producers to date, and we were thrilled that both the Ambassador of Japan to the UK and the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire could meet some of our traders.

“As the industry recovers from the pandemic, it was fantastic to see so many artisans and craftspeople embracing the chance to come together to showcase the high quality and innovative products made here in Derbyshire.

“As well as being very popular with visitors, thanks to support from Chatsworth and our European Regional Development Fund project the marketplace also gave producers the chance to exhibit at a nationally-renowned, large-scale event – supporting their recovery, fuelling growth and helping them to reach new audiences.”

The Duke of Devonshire said: “As the most enthusiastic advocates of Derbyshire, we were pleased to welcome the return of the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire Marketplace to Chatsworth Country Fair.

“The region is fortunate to have many quality producers, artists and craftspeople and it’s fantastic to share these with an even wider audience.

“It was also our great pleasure to welcome Ambassador Hayashi to this year’s country fair, to help celebrate Derbyshire’s links with Toyota City and to experience a taste of what Derbyshire has to offer.”