Japan’s National Day Reception to celebrate the 66th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan（24th February 2026）
2026/3/12
On February 24, Ambassador Okuda held a reception at the Ambassador's residence to celebrate the 66th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor. Approximately 100 guests from various communities attended including the guests of honors, President H.E. Nikenike Vurobaravu and Mrs. Vurobaravu, Speaker of the Parliament Hon. Stephen Felix Dorrick and Mrs. Felix , members of the Vanuatu Government, business representatives, the diplomatic corps, and international organizations.
The reception featured the participation of Japanese singer Yae, who led the singing of the national anthems of both Japan and Vanuatu, followed by performances of "Amazing Grace," "Furusato," and "LOVE FARMARS WE ARE," a song written and composed by Yae.
In his speech, Ambassador Okuda reflected on the 45 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vanuatu, which are being celebrated this year, and reaffirmed his resolve for the future. He introduced the Embassy's 45th -anniversary slogan, “Connecting Hearts, Creating a Happier Future Together.” The Ambassador also cited the words of His Majesty the Emperor, who aspires for peace, noting that these words deeply resonate with the spirit of Vanuatu. Furthermore, he emphasized Japan's continued support for Vanuatu's recovery from natural disasters and the building of a resilient future, and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to keep sharing experience, knowledge and technology.
In his address, President Vurobaravu conveyed the congratulations of the people of Vanuatu on His Majesty the Emperor’s66th birthday. He expressed gratitude for Japan's consistent support in disaster recovery and economic cooperation, including infrastructure projects, and highlighted how the bonds between the two countries have been strengthened not only through economic cooperation but also cultural and people-to-people exchanges. He also expressed his heartfelt hope that the enduring friendship between Japan and Vanuatu will continue to develop and flourish for many years to come.
Guests enjoyed conversations alongside Japanese cuisine, sake and Japanese wines, as well as Yae’s musical performances.
The reception featured the participation of Japanese singer Yae, who led the singing of the national anthems of both Japan and Vanuatu, followed by performances of "Amazing Grace," "Furusato," and "LOVE FARMARS WE ARE," a song written and composed by Yae.
In his speech, Ambassador Okuda reflected on the 45 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vanuatu, which are being celebrated this year, and reaffirmed his resolve for the future. He introduced the Embassy's 45th -anniversary slogan, “Connecting Hearts, Creating a Happier Future Together.” The Ambassador also cited the words of His Majesty the Emperor, who aspires for peace, noting that these words deeply resonate with the spirit of Vanuatu. Furthermore, he emphasized Japan's continued support for Vanuatu's recovery from natural disasters and the building of a resilient future, and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to keep sharing experience, knowledge and technology.
In his address, President Vurobaravu conveyed the congratulations of the people of Vanuatu on His Majesty the Emperor’s66th birthday. He expressed gratitude for Japan's consistent support in disaster recovery and economic cooperation, including infrastructure projects, and highlighted how the bonds between the two countries have been strengthened not only through economic cooperation but also cultural and people-to-people exchanges. He also expressed his heartfelt hope that the enduring friendship between Japan and Vanuatu will continue to develop and flourish for many years to come.
Guests enjoyed conversations alongside Japanese cuisine, sake and Japanese wines, as well as Yae’s musical performances.
