Amin Abbas

ABU DHABI: The Embassy of Japan in Abu Dhabi hosted a reception to celebrate Emperor Naruhito’s 64th birthday on Feb. 15.

At InterContinental Abu Dhabi, guests were invited on behalf of the Japanese Ambassador to the UAE, Isomata Akio, to celebrate the occasion with traditional Japanese foods and performances.

The event was attended by Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State in the UAE. Senior officials, diplomats, and guests from friendly organizations also graced the event.

Ambassador Isomata gave a speech at the beginning of the event, thanking guests for their attendance. He also expressed Japan’s solidarity with the people of Ukraine and its unwavering support for a just cause as well as for the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.

With regard to the current situation in the Middle East region, he reiterated that Japan is committed to continuing its contribution to the improvement of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and to work closely with regional and international partners towards achieving lasting peace based on a “two-state solution.”

He also introduced the spirit of the Japanese Chado, the Way of Tea, with its four guiding principles: harmony (Wa), respect (Kei), purity (Sei), and tranquility (Jaku), noting that mutual respect breeds tolerance, bringing differences into harmony and creating a state of peace and tranquility.

On Japan-UAE relations, he mentioned the on-going bilateral efforts towards decarbonization and the progress being made under the Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership Initiative (CSPI) between the two countries.

The organizations showcased their product offerings, ranging from fruits and desserts to green tea and drinks.

The reception also featured a captivating performance of Japanese calligraphy by Juichi Yoshikawa, a renowned Japanese calligraphy master, who mesmerized the guests with his demonstration of the calligraphy work “peace” in Japanese and English. The guests at the reception got the opportunity to get a Japanese calligraphy painting by the artist.

Sushi was served at the ceremony with authentic ingredients like fish and rice imported fresh from Japan.

The Ikebana Ohara School was also present with their very own unique Japanese flower arrangement at the reception.