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The embassy of Japan to Lebanon held a reception Wednesday to celebrate the 60th Birthday of the Japanese Emperor Naruhito which falls on the 23rd of February, with a large attendance by government officials and dignitaries.

Among the many dignitaries and attendees were Lebanon’s newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Nassif Hitti and the Lebanese Minister of information, Dr. Manal Abdel Samad.

The Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon Mr. Okubo Takeshi welcomed guests in joining in the first celebrations during the Reiwa era in an opening speech by “congratulating Lebanon on the establishment of the new council of Ministers. Japan recognizes this as an important step towards stability in the country,” while pledging that “Japan will continue and even increase necessary support to Lebanon to help overcome today’s challenges”

Ambassador Okubo also congratulated Aref Saade, the owner of a Japanese restaurant, “Shogun Lounge,” who was recently awarded by the Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for “his outstanding contributions to the introduction and spread of Japanese cuisine in Lebanon.”

The ceremony started with performances of the national anthems of Japan and Lebanon by Japanese soprano Fujiko Hirai accompanied by Mr. Gheorghiu. The artists continued to perform throughout the evening, playing traditional Japanese classics such as Sakura, to the delight of the attending guest.

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Guests at the event enjoyed an assortment of authentic Japanese cuisine including sushi and Maki while passing by stands exhibiting Japanese organizations working in Lebanon, such as the Japanese Red Cross, who provide medical and humanitarian assistance and the Japanese NGO ‘Campaign for the Children of Palestine’ (CCP), who provide education and health programs to Lebanese as well as the large number of refugees from neighboring Syria and Palestine. 

Additionally, in recognition of the two athletes representing Lebanon during the upcoming Olympics to be held in Tokyo this year, the ambassador offered his best wishes to those competing and said that he “wishes all the best for them and hopes that many Lebanese people will visit Japan and enjoy Japanese culture.”