2023 National Day Reception to Celebrate 63rd Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
2023/3/2
On 2nd March 2023, at the Ambassador’s Residence, the Embassy of Japan held the National Day Reception to celebrate the 63rd birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. We had a pleasure to welcome a large number of guests from the Government of Zambia, various sectors of both Zambia and Japan, such as business, academia and sport, the diplomatic corps and international organisations based in Zambia.




Ambassador Takeuchi, before starting his remarks, referred to the recent floods which hit various parts of Zambia and the earthquake which hit Turkiye and its neighbouring countries last month, and expressed Japan’s solidarity with the victims and those affected.
In his remarks, Ambassador underlined that Japan expressed its aspiration to be “a partner growing together with Arica”, focusing on people as individuals. He stressed that the Government of Zambia, elected through democratic elections, was pushing various reforms forward, placing people at the core. He expressed his wish that Japan, sharing the same fundamental values, consolidate the partnership with Zambia and address the challenges to the international community together. He also showcased Japan-Zambia cooperation focusing on “people”, such as those for strengthening STEM education and industrial skills development. He expected that both countries grow together by combining Japan’s technologies, experience and investment with the rich human resources of Zambia. On the culture side, he touched upon the resumed Japanese language course at UNZA and the cooperation in the new field of “Japanese pop culture”. He expressed his readiness to further work with Zambians towards 2024, which will mark 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Zambia.
On behalf of the Government of Zambia, Honuorable Rodney Sikumba, Minister of Tourism, appreciated the longstanding warm relationship between Zambia and Japan, premised on common values such as democracy, the rule of law, economic development and international peace and security. Referring to the economic cooperation in various fields, he commended the commitment of Japan demonstrated at TICAD8. He also announced Zambia’s participation in Expo 2025 to be held in Osaka, Japan, and its support.
At the Reception, Japanese companies exhibited their renowned automobiles and cutting-edge products. Also available was Japanese cuisine such as tempura and sushi, as well as Japanese Sake and wines, which attracted keen interest of attendees.
To read the Ambassador’s speech, please click here.
In his remarks, Ambassador underlined that Japan expressed its aspiration to be “a partner growing together with Arica”, focusing on people as individuals. He stressed that the Government of Zambia, elected through democratic elections, was pushing various reforms forward, placing people at the core. He expressed his wish that Japan, sharing the same fundamental values, consolidate the partnership with Zambia and address the challenges to the international community together. He also showcased Japan-Zambia cooperation focusing on “people”, such as those for strengthening STEM education and industrial skills development. He expected that both countries grow together by combining Japan’s technologies, experience and investment with the rich human resources of Zambia. On the culture side, he touched upon the resumed Japanese language course at UNZA and the cooperation in the new field of “Japanese pop culture”. He expressed his readiness to further work with Zambians towards 2024, which will mark 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Zambia.
On behalf of the Government of Zambia, Honuorable Rodney Sikumba, Minister of Tourism, appreciated the longstanding warm relationship between Zambia and Japan, premised on common values such as democracy, the rule of law, economic development and international peace and security. Referring to the economic cooperation in various fields, he commended the commitment of Japan demonstrated at TICAD8. He also announced Zambia’s participation in Expo 2025 to be held in Osaka, Japan, and its support.
At the Reception, Japanese companies exhibited their renowned automobiles and cutting-edge products. Also available was Japanese cuisine such as tempura and sushi, as well as Japanese Sake and wines, which attracted keen interest of attendees.
To read the Ambassador’s speech, please click here.



