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Keiichi Ono, Japanese Ambassador to India hosted this year's Emperor's Birthday Celebration Reception at his official residence at Embassy of Japan in Delhi on the 14 February, Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, India, graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The reception was attended by many guests, including Indian public and private sector officials, ambassadors and diplomats from various countries, and Japanese residents in India. After the national anthems of India and Japan were played, Ambassador Ono and the chief guest delivered their addresses.
In his address, Ambassador Ono congratulated His Majesty the Emperor on his 65th birthday, and mentioned the Bodhi tree planted in the garden of the Ambassador's residence in 1960 by the then Crown Prince and Crown Princess (the present Emperor and Empress). In addition to the high-level exchanges between Prime Minister Ishiba and Prime Minister Modi, and Foreign Minister Iwaya and Foreign Minister Jaishankar, the two countries have resolved to expand mutual exchanges through the India-Japan Tourism Exchange Year agreed between the two leaders in March 2023 (scheduled to conclude with FY2024), and the India-Japan Science, Technology and Innovation Exchange Year through Educational Exchange to commence from April this year, as agreed between the Foreign Ministers of the two countries.
After the Ambassador's and Guest of Honour's addresses, the guests enjoyed a taiko performance by the Delhi Japanese Taiko Drumming Club of the Japanese Association of Delhi, videos displaying the Year of Tourism Exchange, introducing Osaka Expo 2025 and Japanese regions. They relished Japanese food and sake while discussing the friendship between Japan and India.
Showcasing Japanese Local Specialties and Seafood at the Japan-India Year of Tourism Exchange Special Booth
Ambassador Ono escorted the chief guest to the special booth, where they stopped by the booths of Japanese local governments and Japanese fisheries products. Toyama Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, Hiroshima Prefecture and Sapporo City from Japan exhibited local products from their respective regions. A live kitchen served nigirizushi made from yellowtail from Toyama Prefecture and fried white shrimp, allowing guests to enjoy Japanese seafood products. In addition, the Japan Tourism Agency and the Japan National Tourist Organisation provided information on tourism in Japan, exhibited apples from Aomori Prefecture and other products, and Japanese universities provided information on studying abroad.
Exhibitions by 27 Companies and Organizations Showcasing Products and Services
The reception featured exhibits by companies and organisations active in the region or considering setting up operations here, introducing their products and services in India. Many attendees enjoyed sake, chocolates and photo opportunities.
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