Japanese ambassador to UK shares one word reaction to iconic Scottish delicacy
Since taking on the role in December, Hiroshi Suzuki has become a social media hit by diving into British culture
The Japanese ambassador to the UK has delighted Scots with his one-word verdict on haggis. Hiroshi Suzuki is fast becoming a social media favourite thanks to his upbeat personality and charming travel updates.
Suzuki tucked into the iconic Scottish dish during a trip to Edinburgh on Wednesday, May 29. And although the traditional delicacy has its critics, the Japanese ambassador described it as 'fantastic'.
He shared the moment with followers on X, formerly Twitter, as he raised a glass of whisky, took a bite of haggis, and declared: 'I'm enjoying haggis… Fantastic,' before giving a cheerful thumbs-up to the camera
The video has since racked up nearly 400,000 views and sparked a flurry of comments, Scottish Daily Express reports.
One person admitted: 'Ambassador, I love you but I still don't have the cojones to try haggis.' Another wrote: 'Your posts always cheer me up! Enjoy the haggis, it's delicious.'
Haggis is a savoury pudding traditionally made with sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet and spices. It is Scotland's national dish and typically eaten on Burns Night, where the Bard's poem Address Tae A Haggis is read.
It has long divided opinion even among Scots, with some embracing its rich flavour and others put off by its ingredients. But it is a staple at Burns Night and on St Andrew's Day, as well as in chippies and restaurants across the country.
Suzuki also posted a video drinking iconic Scottish drink, Irn Bru, calling it "great"
Ambassador Suzuki's Scottish culinary adventure didn't stop there. In another post, he is seen smiling as he eats Tunnock's Teacakes for breakfast on Thursday, May 30, joined as always by his travel companion Paddington Bear.
The plush toy has become a regular fixture in Suzuki's updates since he began his UK posting six months ago and appears in most of his videos and photos.
While in Edinburgh, the ambassador also visited the historic Edinburgh Castle and met with a number of Scottish political figures, including Holyrood's Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone.
He also took part in a cross-party group meeting on Japan at the Scottish Parliament.
He described the talks as 'fruitful discussions on a wide range of topics' and said he was particularly pleased to visit Adam Smith House, the former home of the Scottish economist, now a research institute. 'I was delighted to visit the house of Adam Smith in Edinburgh,' he said.
Suzuki is also set to meet with First Minister John Swinney during his visit to Scotland. Sharing his excitement ahead of the ambassador's arrival, Swinney posted on X last week: 'Looking forward to welcoming you @AmbJapanUK to Bute House and to our wonderful country next week.'
Since taking up his post, Suzuki has thrown himself into life in the UK. He's been seen enjoying Welshcakes, giving the Welsh national anthem a go, and visiting traditional pubs for a pint.
In a video posted in March, marking his first six months in the role, he summed up his impressions of the UK with a single word: 'GREAT.'
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