Tadahiro Matsubara, Ambassador of Japan to Luxembourg; Credit: Chronicle.lu

On Thursday 23 February 2023, the Ambassador of Japan to Luxembourg, Tadahiro Matsubara, hosted a National Day reception at his residence to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.

The event opened with the playing (on piano) of the national anthems of both Luxembourg and Japan, followed by a speech by the Ambassador in which he spoke in English to the 100-or-so guests representing the diplomatic corps and business and social communities of Luxembourg. He referenced the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed his condolences to those who lost their lives and suffered in the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria. He stated clearly Japan's opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and urged everyone to unite in opposition. He stressed the strong friendship between Luxembourg and Japan. He referenced Prime Minister Xavier Bettel's attendance of the funeral of Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which he stressed was deeply appreciated. He also recalled Prime Minister Bettel, Finance Minister Yuriko Backes and Economy Minister Franz Fayot visiting Japan on two separate missions. He referenced cultural ties, including Esch2022 - European Capital of Culture, and economic and academic and scientific research ties and collaborations.

In 2027, the two countries will celebrate 100 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries: in this context, Ambassador Matsubara announced that the Embassy of Japan will plant 100 cherry blossom trees along Remich esplanade and welcomes them blooming in spring 2027. He also mentioned tourism and other stalls (including sake) at the event and encouraged the guests to explore the information provided.

Dr Julien Lammay, CEO at ispace Europe (which has Japanese investment and offices in with Luxembourg and Tokyo), made a short presentation in which he talked about scientific exploration in space, including equipment needed to land on the Moon (for the first privately-funded Moon mission).

A cultural programme followed, involving a piano recital by Toru Iwanaga, with a reception of Japanese food, including a Sushi Bar and a Sake Bar.