Japan’s National Day Reception to celebrate the 64th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
2024/2/29
On 22 February, Japanese Ambassador Okuda hosted a National Day Reception to celebrate the 64th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at the Ambassador's residence, with President H.E. Nikenike Vurobaravu and Mrs Vurobaravu as the guests of honour.
Approximately 170 guests attended the event from various communities including the Vanuatu Government, business sectors, diplomatic corps and international organizations.
During the reception, Mr. Massie Toyooka, a sanshin (three-stringed traditional Japanese musical instrument) player from Okinawa in Japan, kindly performed the national anthems of Japan and Vanuatu, as well as traditional Japanese music (Okinawan folk songs) with singing.
In his speech, Ambassador Okuda highlightened the friendship between Japan and Vanuatu, which has a history of over 40 years, and the 10th Pacific Islanders Leaders Meeting: PALM scheduled to be held in Tokyo in July this year, and stressed the importance to deepen mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries and strengthen the partnership between the two countries to enhance the resilience and sustainability of the region as neighbours sharing the Pacific Ocean.
In his speech, President Vulobaravu sent his condolences for the catastrophic impact of the deadliest earthquake that struck Japan on January 1, this year, and mentioned that the resilient people living in Vanuatu, which proned to all sorts of Natural disasters, are making progress in bringing back smiles and rebuilding their lives and homes. He also stated that Vanuatu is interested in Japan's readiness to play key roles in the international affairs, especially the global issues as economic security and appreciation for Japan's willingness to cooperate with the Vanuatu Government on climate change issues and Vanuatu's implementation of “The 2050 strategy for the Blue Pacific continent”.
The participants enjoyed the conversation and performance with Japanese food as well as Japanese sake and wines.
During the reception, Mr. Massie Toyooka, a sanshin (three-stringed traditional Japanese musical instrument) player from Okinawa in Japan, kindly performed the national anthems of Japan and Vanuatu, as well as traditional Japanese music (Okinawan folk songs) with singing.
In his speech, Ambassador Okuda highlightened the friendship between Japan and Vanuatu, which has a history of over 40 years, and the 10th Pacific Islanders Leaders Meeting: PALM scheduled to be held in Tokyo in July this year, and stressed the importance to deepen mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries and strengthen the partnership between the two countries to enhance the resilience and sustainability of the region as neighbours sharing the Pacific Ocean.
In his speech, President Vulobaravu sent his condolences for the catastrophic impact of the deadliest earthquake that struck Japan on January 1, this year, and mentioned that the resilient people living in Vanuatu, which proned to all sorts of Natural disasters, are making progress in bringing back smiles and rebuilding their lives and homes. He also stated that Vanuatu is interested in Japan's readiness to play key roles in the international affairs, especially the global issues as economic security and appreciation for Japan's willingness to cooperate with the Vanuatu Government on climate change issues and Vanuatu's implementation of “The 2050 strategy for the Blue Pacific continent”.
The participants enjoyed the conversation and performance with Japanese food as well as Japanese sake and wines.