Japanese Embassy Hosts National Day Reception

On Thursday 29 February 2024, the Embassy of Japan in Luxembourg hosted a Japanese National Day Reception at the residence of the Ambassador to Luxembourg, Tadahiro Matsubara, celebrating the 64th birthday of the Emperor of Japan.

Around 180 guests attended the event, including the British, American, Irish, Polish and Chinese Ambassadors to Luxembourg, and the former Luxembourg Ambassador to Japan, Pierre Gramegna, and MPs including Sven Clement and Maurice Bauer and the Speaker of the Luxembourg parliament, Claude Wiseler.

Following the playing of both the Luxembourg and Japan national anthems, the Japanese Ambassador addressed the invited guests. He expressed condolences with victims of the Peninsula earthquake that hit Japan on 1 January. On the international situation over the past year, he raised the issue of the rule of law which he said is facing serious challenges as Russia is continuing its aggression against Ukraine", emphasising that Japan “will support Ukraine as long it takes”. He also addressed the "deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza" and stated that "Japan has condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas and has been calling for the immediate release of all hostages", calling for a "humanitarian ceasefire".

The ambassador referred to Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister’s visit of Japan earlier this year. “Japan and Luxembourg have always enjoyed excellent bilateral relations”. He mentioned a new Japanese retail store opening in Luxembourg and four Japanese start-up companies participating in last year’s ICT Spring; he also referenced various Japanese cultural and food-related events in Luxembourg over the past year. And he also talked about the upcoming Trade Mission to Japan in June, as well as the upcoming World Expo in Japan, as well as the centenary anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 2027.

The formal part of the event now over, Katsuya Watanbe performed a couple of musical pieces on the oboe, before the drinks reception and buffer lunch commenced, served by students of the Ecole d'Hôtellerie et du Tourisme du Luxembourg (EHTL) in Diekirch.

During the reception, Japanese delicacies were served, including fresh seafood, prepared by the chef of the Ambassador, as well as a variety of Japanese Sake.

A number of Japanese companies and organisations had stands, introducing tourism and culture information, including All Nippon Airways Brussels (ANA), Japan Airlines Paris Office (JAL), Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Sakura Voyage and Values.