The Japanese Royal House is the oldest continuing hereditary monarchy in the whole world, with 126 emperors, dating back to 660BC.
Emperor Naruhito ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne on 1 May 2019, which marked the beginning of the Reiwa era after the abdication of his father, Emperor Akihito, who led Japan for 30 years.
On the 64th birthday of His Imperial Highness, Emperor Naruhito, the consular office of Japan in Cebu, represented by Consul General Hideaki Matsuo and his supportive wife Kanami Matsuo, hosted a National Day Reception at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel. The affair was attended by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia, along with diplomats, honorary consuls, business and civic leaders and several other dignitaries.
On behalf of the Filipino people, Terence Calatrava, the newly appointed undersecretary of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, extended warm felicitations for continued good health and happiness to the Emperor of Japan.
On the significant milestone, a Kagami Biraki, or a traditional barrel-opening ceremony, and joint toast for longevity and good fortune was led by Consul General Matsuo, together with Undersecretary Calatrava, Mayor Rama, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cebu president Koichi Iguchi and Japanese Association Inc. president Raiko Fujioka.