2025 National Day Reception to Celebrate 65th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
On 5th March 2025, the National Day Reception of Japan was held at the Ambassador's Residence, to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. Many guests from various sectors, including the government, the diplomatic corps and international organisations based in Lusaka, as well as the business, education, art, and sports communities have joined in this celebration.
The reception began with the national anthems of both countries. The Japanese anthem “Kimigayo" was sung by Ms. Becky Chanteuse, Zambian singer, and the Zambian national anthem by a group of music students from Evelyn Hone College, led by JICA volunteer Ms. MURAKAMI Akiko.
In his speech, Ambassador TAKEUCHI Kazuyuki shared that last year, 2024, marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and that a Joint Executive Committee was set up by stakeholders from both countries and various events were successfully held. He also touched on President Hichilema's official working visit to Japan in February this year and outlined his meeting with His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, summit meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba, and his visits to private companies and institutions in Nagoya and Kyoto. Ambassador stated that the visit marked the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed his will to further deepen bilateral relations this year, including through the opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo in April and the 9th TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) in August. On the development assistance front, he highlighted Japan’s recent cooperation in key areas such as emergency food aid for drought-stricken Zambia, public health measures such as fight against cholera, and handover of District Hospitals in the Copperbelt Province. On the cultural front, referring to the exhibition of Japanese dolls and wadaiko drumming performances in 2024, which were well received by the thousands of audiences, he highlighted the great achievements of Japan's educational cooperation and cultural exchanges, and stated that he would like to further increase opportunities to deepen mutual understanding, especially among young people, who will form the basis of future bilateral relations.
In response, Hon. Collins Nzove, Minister for Water Development and Sanitation, delivered a speech on behalf of the Government of Zambia. The Minister expressed his gratitude for Japan's cooperation since Zambia’s independence, saying Japan is one of Zambia's most important cooperation partners with shared values of democracy, good governance and the rule of law. He also referred to President Hichilema's visit to Japan in February, describing it as a historic visit that served as an opportunity to deepen the friendly relations through programmes such as the state call on His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, the summit meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba, company visits and the Zambia Business Forum, and reaffirmed Zambia's participation in the Osaka Expo and the 9th TICAD. The Minister also expressed his gratitude for the emergency food aid provided by Japan last year in response to severe drought damage, and requested Japan’s assistance for the current challenge of water pollution caused by the spread of heavy metal contamination from mines in Zambia.
Twelve Japanese companies from Zambia and South Africa exhibited their products and services at the venue, introducing to participants automobiles and a wide range of high-tech products. Corners were also set up to serve Japanese food, including tempura and sushi, as well as Japanese sake, which attracted the interest of many guests.
For Ambassador Takeuchi's speech at the event, click here.