On November 12, 2025, Dr. Akima Umezawa, the Ambassador of Japan, announced the historic appointment of Dr. Nicole Phillip as the first Honorary Consul of Japan in Grenada. The official ceremony, held at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort in St. George’s, was attended by senior government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and other distinguished guests. Ambassador Umezawa highlighted the significance of this appointment in deepening the 50-year diplomatic relationship between Japan and Grenada, which he referred to as a ‘golden jubilee.’ He underscored the multifaceted cooperation between the two nations, including Grenada’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan’s support for sargassum countermeasures, vocational training expansion, and media tours showcasing Japan’s ODA facilities. Dr. Phillip, currently the Acting Director of the University of the West Indies Global Campus, was praised for her academic leadership and contributions, positioning her as a key figure in fostering future bilateral relations. Acting Prime Minister Phillip Telesford also commended the appointment, celebrating the enduring friendship between the two countries. Dr. Phillip expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to strengthening ties and pledged to build on the foundation of mutual cooperation. The ceremony concluded with a captivating performance by Yosuke Irie, a renowned Japanese Shakuhachi artist, adding a cultural touch to the event.