Japanese Ambassador Confers Awards on Lydie Polfer, Pierre Ferring

On Thursday 27 February 2025, the Embassy of Japan in Luxembourg hosted a Japanese National Day Reception celebrating the birthday of the Emperor of Japan.

The private reception was attended by around 200 invited guests which included government ministers, the ambassadors of various countries including Ireland and China, the Deputy Heads of Mission at the British and American embassies, the Mayor of Luxembourg City and aldermen, as well as representatives of civil society.

In a large marquee in the grounds of the embassy, the MC spoke in French and in English and introduced Ryoko Rano who performed both Luxembourg's and Japan's national anthems on violin.

The Ambassador of Japan to Luxembourg, Tadahiro Matsubara, addressed those attending and remarked on the "unexpectedly nice weather" and also referenced recent geopolitical changes that have made us realise that peace cannot be taken for granted. He mentioned Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine and reiterated Japan's support for Ukraine that he said has never wavered. He also mentioned continuing to stand for "a permanent peace in the Middle East, for which it is essential that the ceasefire and hostage release agreement is fully implemented".

He then addressed the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Asia-Indo-Pacific regions which he described as inseparable; in this context, he added that Japan welcomes the growing engagement of the EU and NATO in the Indo-Pacific.

He said that Japan and Luxembourg are united by shared values and principles and recalled Minister Xavier Bettel's visit to Japan early last year and the trade mission led by the Hereditary Grand Duke in June, and Finance Minister Gilles Roth's visit last November, visits that resulted in tangible achievements.

He mentioned about Japanese companies active in Luxembourg; in the space sector, he mentioned the ispace lunar lander that was successfully launched last month and is expected to reach the moon around May, with the Luxembourg-made micro rover "TENACIOUS" planned to run on the moon's surface.

He talked also about growing exchanges between Japanese startups and Luxembourgish institutions, with six Japanese startups participating in Nexus 2050 in 2024. He also reviewed a number of cultural events over past year, and said that there would be more Japan-related events in Luxembourg in the years ahead - he revealed that interest is growing in Japanese martial arts.

To conclude, he mentioned the Expo2025 in Osaksa which would open in April for six months and at which the Luxembourg pavilion will be present.

Ambassador Matsubara then conferred the Order of the Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun on Lydie Polfer, Mayor of the City of Luxembourg, and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, on Pierre Ferring, Director of Promotion of Foreign Trade and Investment and former Ambassador of Luxembourg to Japan, described as tributes to their longstanding contributions to strengthening the friendly bilateral relations between Japan and Luxembourg.

Mayor Polfer stated that she wanted to convey enormous thanks to the ambassador and the Emperor who signed this document, one of the highest honours of Japan. She referenced her 40 years in politics, including as Mayor of Luxembourg City, then as Minister of Foreign Affairs, then as a Member of the European Parliament and again as Mayor of Luxembourg city. She witnessed during this period the relations with Japan, in culture, economy, finance, education, etc. She recalled two personal highlights of those years: in 1997, the Emperor and Empress paid a visit to Luxembourg on an “official private” visit, a moment she will not forget; and, in 2003, as Foreign Minister, she opened (with the Grand Duke) the Luxembourg House in Tokyo to help foster relations between the two countries - two moments which she revealed were important in her political career and were also personal highlights. She said that she deeply admires Japanese culture which both respects tradition and is open, displaying resilience in these difficult times. She concluded by conveying the Emperor her best wishes on his 65th birthday.

Pierre Ferring said that he was deeply humbled when he learned he would be receiving the award, recalling how he arrived in Japan on 1 April 2019 and remembering many people talking to him about the state visit that had taken place a couple of years before. He recalled that, even though he had not yet presented his credentials, he was contacted by the protocol office of the Emperor for him to visit the Luxembourg embassy and sign the book of condolences after Grand Duke Jean passed away. He mentioned Japanese protocol, culture and friendship. He also recalled the one-year delay of the Tokyo Olympics from 2020 to 2021 de to the COVID pandemic. He also conveyed his best wishes to the Emperor on his 65th birthday.

The formal part of the reception over, the guests were invited to partake of a special Japanese buffet of delicacies such as fresh sushi and seafood prepared by the ambassador's chef, helped by students of the École d'Hôtellerie et du Tourisme du Luxembourg (EHTL). To promote the upcoming Expo2025 Osaka, Kansai, Takoyaki (fried octopus balls, typical Kansai region street food) were served, accompanied by a wide selection of Japanese sake, recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO at the end of last year.

The guests could also browse the various information stands along the sides of the marquee, including tourism opportunities and Japanese culture by several Japanese companies and organisations. A Bonsai exhibition by Bonsai Frënn Minett Déifferdeng was displayed in the salon, and a craft demonstration of Mikawachi porcelain by an artisan from Sasebo City, Nagasaki, was also held.