- ARAB NEWS
- 03 May 2024
Since 1975
DUBAI: Japan’s Consulate-General in Dubai hosted a reception on the occasion of the Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s 63rd birthday on Feb. 21.
At Raffles Hotel in Dubai, guests were invited on behalf of Japan’s Consul-General NOBORU Sekiguchi to celebrate the occasion with traditional Japanese foods and performances.
Noboru gave a speech at the beginning of the event, thanking guests for their attendance. He also hailed Japan and the UAE’s strong bilateral ties.
After celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries last year, Noboru said: “This year is the very first year for the next 50 years of bilateral exchanges. As the Consul-General of Japan I am striving to lay the groundwork for the next 50 years of our bilateral relations.”
He added that the office of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is seeking to increase the number of Emirati tourists to Japan. “Last October, the government of Japan lifted the maximum limit per day on the number of foreign visitors to Japan, after strict measures to combat COVID-19,” Noboru said.
The Consul-General also said that the success of Expo 2020 Dubai paved the way for the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
The event involved many Japanese companies setting up booths. Some companies included Canon, Charteraise, Yatsudoki, Chori, JNTO, Crown Melon, Daikin, Daiso, Kowa, Sharp, Yakult, Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Yoku Moku.
The organizations showcased their product offerings ranging from fruits and fish to green tea and cameras.
Japanese taiko drummers were just one of the performances of the night, with a master in Karate also giving guests a show.
Sushi was served by chefs from authentic Japanese restaurant Tomo, with ingredients like fish and rice imported fresh from Japan provided on a complimentary basis from the Tokyo metropolitan government.
A wagyu beef station was also put in place with beef from Saroma Wagyu, giving guests a taste of the flavorsome Japanese wagyu.
The Ikebana Ohara School was also present with their very own Japanese flower arrangement to showcase the strong bilateral ties between Japan and the UAE.
