Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and his spouse hosted on Monday a diplomatic reception at the Iikura Guest House to celebrate His Majesty the Emperor’s 65th birthday. The event gathered approximately 230 attendees, including foreign ambassadors, diplomats, members of the Diet, and representatives from economic and cultural organizations.
In his opening remarks, Minister Iwaya congratulated His Majesty and praised the Emperor and Empress for their dedication to Japan and their efforts in fostering international goodwill, including their visit to the United Kingdom last year. He also reaffirmed his commitment to advancing diplomacy through dialogue and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law in ensuring global peace and stability.
The reception featured Japanese cuisine prepared with ingredients from regions affected by recent disasters, including the Tohoku area and Noto Peninsula. Guests were also served traditional Japanese beverages such as sake and shochu, highlighting the country’s culinary heritage while supporting affected communities.