Japan Consul General in Cebu Hideaki Matsuo and his wife Kanami Matsuo hosted a National Day Reception at the Nustar Hotel to celebrate the 65th birthday of Naruhito, Emperor of Japan.
Government officials led by Cebu Mayor Raymond Garcia and congresswoman Marguerite del Mar attended the event expressing their congratulations and support for strengthened relations between Japan and the Philippines.
The celebration included the traditional Kagami Biraki, a traditional barrel opening ceremony and a joint toast for longevity and good fortune.
Among the attendees from the diplomatic corps were Consul General of the People’s Republic of China Zhang Zhen, Consul General of South Korea Song Sewon, US Consul Glenn Loop and Honorary Consul of Germany Jochen Bitzer and his wife Irma.
The venue featured centuries-old bonsai trees and Ikebana flower arrangements created by the Ikebana club under the direction of club president Urduja Santos.
On his 65th birthday, Naruhito stressed the importance of conveying the tragedies of World War II to younger generations and expressed hope that the 80th anniversary of the war’s end would renew a pledge for peace.
Emperor Naruhito is the 126th Emperor and traces his lineage back to the legendary first Emperor of Japan Jimmu.
Naruhito’s reign began on 1 May 2019, initiating the Reiwa period, which translates to “Beautiful Harmony.” He is considered to be Japan’s first “Modern Emperor,” having grown up living with his parents, studying abroad and marrying a career woman.
Emperor Naruhito is married to Empress Masako and has an only child, Princess Aiko, whose imperial title is Princess Toshi, meaning “a person who respects others.”