Japan’s National Day Reception to celebrate the 65th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
2025/3/11
On February 24, Ambassador Okuda held a reception at the Melanesian Hotel to celebrate the 65th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor, and a total of about 150 people icluding The Guests of Honor H.E. Mrs. Nikenike Vurobaravu, President and Mrs. Nikenike Vurobaravu, Hon. Vincent Lunabek, Chief Justice, Hon. Stephen Felix Dorrick, Speaker of the Parliament, and approximately people from various communities including the Vanuatu Government, business people, the diplomatic corps, and international organizations, etc., attended the event. At the opening ceremony, a video message from Akiko IKUINA, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, was shown.
At this reception, we were joined by shakuhachi (traditional Japanese bamboo flute) player Mr. Yosuke IRIE, who performed the national anthems of Japan and Vanuatu and his own composition (Phenomenon of the Earth), which was chosen to reflect the natural beauty of Vanuatu.
In his speech, Ambassador Okuda paid tribute to the efforts of Vanuatu's leaders, relevant Government Ministries, officials and citizens in the wake of the major earthquake that struck Vanuatu last December, noting that these efforts were similar to those in the disaster-affected areas of Japan, and that community-based resilience was essential while also valuing coexistence with nature. He also expressed his determination to do everything possible to help Vanuatu recover and said that he believed Vanuatu had a great opportunity to move forward this year and beyond, and that he hoped this reception would be a catalyst for this.
In his speech, President Vurobaravu expressed his congratulations on the 65th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor on behalf of the people of Vanuatu. He also mentioned that Japan has been an unwavering partner in the development of Vanuatu over the years. Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude for the various forms of support provided by the Japanese Government and people in the wake of the major earthquake that struck Vanuatu last December and stated that he was confident that the friendly relations between the two countries would continue to develop even more strongly in the future.
The participants enjoyed a friendly chat and performances while enjoying Japanese food, sake and Japanese wine.
Ambassador Okuda's speach
At this reception, we were joined by shakuhachi (traditional Japanese bamboo flute) player Mr. Yosuke IRIE, who performed the national anthems of Japan and Vanuatu and his own composition (Phenomenon of the Earth), which was chosen to reflect the natural beauty of Vanuatu.
In his speech, Ambassador Okuda paid tribute to the efforts of Vanuatu's leaders, relevant Government Ministries, officials and citizens in the wake of the major earthquake that struck Vanuatu last December, noting that these efforts were similar to those in the disaster-affected areas of Japan, and that community-based resilience was essential while also valuing coexistence with nature. He also expressed his determination to do everything possible to help Vanuatu recover and said that he believed Vanuatu had a great opportunity to move forward this year and beyond, and that he hoped this reception would be a catalyst for this.
In his speech, President Vurobaravu expressed his congratulations on the 65th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor on behalf of the people of Vanuatu. He also mentioned that Japan has been an unwavering partner in the development of Vanuatu over the years. Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude for the various forms of support provided by the Japanese Government and people in the wake of the major earthquake that struck Vanuatu last December and stated that he was confident that the friendly relations between the two countries would continue to develop even more strongly in the future.
The participants enjoyed a friendly chat and performances while enjoying Japanese food, sake and Japanese wine.
Ambassador Okuda's speach
