Arab News, Abu Dhabi

A celebration marking the 60th birthday of the Emperor of Japan Naruhito was held in Abu Dhabi Monday evening by the Japanese Embassy in the United Arab Emirates with a large attendance by diplomats, local dignitaries and members of the Japanese business community.

H.E. NAKAJIMA Akihiko, Ambassador of Japan to the UAE welcomed guests in a speech on the new Japanese era of “Reiwa” where the “Era name system of Japan can be traced back to the 7^th Century” he stated “at the junction of the change of Era name, Japanese people recollect the history of the receding Era period  and commit themselves to making a fresh start and inspire motivation for future challenges in the upcoming era”. With the Ambassador mentioning challenges of the “Heisei” Era such as the Gulf War, the earthquakes which struck Japan in 1995 and 2011 and the global economic collapse.

With regards to Japan-UAE bilateral relations Ambassador Nakajima stated that “ the ties between Imperial/Royal families have been further promoted in many occasions during the “Heisei” Era where Japan had the honor of welcoming in 1990 the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and in 1995 His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, then Crown Prince, visited the UAE.”

“Looking at the economic front, the UAE has always been a stable supplier of energy to Japan” adding that “Japanese oil companies sponsored cultural events and exhibitions enhancing cooperation in education and other areas”.  With Japanese UAE business development on multiple fronts including “ several power plant projects, Publica transportation projects including Dubai Metro & Etihad Rail, Pipeline manufacturing and chemical products produced by Japanese companies as well as the provision of maintenance service of gas-turbine machinery, without forgetting the cooperation in space industry.”

Speaking on the new Era of “Reiwa” Ambassador Nakajima spoke on how this Era’s “beginning almost overlaps with that of the next 50 years of the UAE” and “in the midst of an information revolution, the development of computer science and technology such as A.I. create new products and services, these change people’s behavior and customs. This leads to change in mindset which triggers the transformation of social systems and infrastructures.”

Emphasizing culture Ambassador Nakajima spoke how “the Emirati’s people curiosity on trying to explore the essence of the culture of Japan, when I have a conversation with people in this country I learn a lot about “our” culture, besides that of this country and the region. I found some commonality in a set of values, described by words and phrases like modesty, moderation, tolerance, harmony, coexistence and hospitality among others.”

With the Ambassador concluding that “I hope this bilateral relation will contribute to global peace and security, economic prosperity, social stability and ultimately creating a new idea or philosophy, as part of a truly global civilization in the era of “Reiwa” which means “Beautiful Harmony”.

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Guests were sure to enjoy the evening which included fresh Sushi and Maki prepared live by Chef Yukitaka Kitade and his staff from Aya restaurant, as well as a stand showcasing the world famous Crown Melon from Shizuoka, which according to Yosuke Suzuki, Overseas section chief, Crown Melon created a special packaging for the occasion of bringing the valuable fruit to the UAE.

A Tea ceremony was also held in part of the ballroom which was also decorated by floral bouquets which were arranged by Japanese and local members of the Ohara school of Ikebana Dubai/ Abu Dhabi Study Group.