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<\/a><\/p>\n11 December 2011<\/p>\n
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The Embassy of Japan Friday evening hosted an official reception to mark the 78th birthday of Emperor Akihito.<\/p>\n
Akihito, the eldest son and the fifth child of Emperor Hirohito, was born on Dec 23, 1933. The Emperor’s birthday is a national holiday in Japan.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the event, the Japanese Ambassador, Kunio Hatanaka, said: “His majesty’s birthday falls on 23rd December but since this date coincides with Christmas holidays for many of you, we have decided to celebrate it in advance.”<\/p>\n
He hailed the government of Rwanda for being among the first countries to extend heartfelt condolences to Japan after the country was hit by a devastating tsunami in March.<\/p>\n
The tsunami, which was triggered by an earthquake, left many buildings destroyed, thousands of people dead or missing, and many desperate survivors with no food or shelter.<\/p>\n
“Since March this year, Japan has been exerting all efforts to restore and reconstruct the disaster affected areas and damaged supply chains are close to full restoration,” he said.<\/p>\n
Ambassador Jacqueline Mukangira, the Director of Bilateral and Multilateral Cooperation who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said; “This occasion is significant since it provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the status of bilateral relations between our two countries”.<\/p>\n
She noted that relations between Rwanda and Japan have remained strong and vibrant despite the very considerable geographical distance that separates the two countries.<\/p>\n
The ceremony brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic and the business community, among others.<\/p>\n
On the occasion of the Emperor’s birthday, a public ceremony takes place at the Imperial Palace, a place that is normally off limits to the public.<\/p>\n
The palace gates are opened and the Emperor, accompanied by members of the Imperial Family, appears on a palace balcony to acknowledge the greetings of crowds of festive well-wishers.<\/p>\n
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