2026 National Day Reception to Celebrate 66th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
2026/3/2
On 26th February 2026, 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 national and local government, the diplomatic corps and international organisations based in Lusaka, as well as the business, education, arts and sports communities joined this celebration. The ceremony opened with local vocalist Ms. Becky Chanteuse performing the national anthems of Japan and Zambia.
In his remarks, Ambassador Mikami Akiteru reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Japan–Zambia ties after his accreditation in January. Citing sustained high-level exchanges—the 60th anniversary of relations, President Hichilema’s visit to Japan, engagement with the Osaka–Kansai Expo, and the Vice President’s participation in TICAD 9—he called the partnership a renewed bond between like-minded countries. Under Japan’s new administration led by its first female Prime Minister, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, he highlighted prospects of deepening cooperation in mining, health, agriculture, and private sector development; advance the investment agreement and business links; support grassroots efforts through JICA and NGOs; expand youth exchanges; and promote sustainable growth in economic, human capital, and cultural spheres.
Representing the Government of the Republic of Zambia, Hon. Doreen Mwamba, M.P., Minister of Community Development and Social Services, congratulated His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on his 66th birthday and welcomed the steadily advancing partnership. She emphasised opportunities to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, renewable energy, ICT, and other priority areas, recalling last year’s presidential visit and the signing of the investment agreement. She welcomed upcoming bilateral political consultations, thanked Japan for its support across education, health, infrastructure and other sectors, praised JICA and the Embassy of Japan in Lusaka for expanding opportunities for youth, and invited collaboration in emerging fields to further the prosperity of both peoples.
The reception also featured booths from 11 Japanese companies based in Zambia and South Africa, showcasing automobiles and a range of advanced technologies, products, and services. Guests enjoyed Japanese cuisine, including tempura and sushi, along with sake, which proved especially popular. Additionally, many participants visited a Japanese culture booth and enjoyed cross-cultural exchanges.
In his remarks, Ambassador Mikami Akiteru reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Japan–Zambia ties after his accreditation in January. Citing sustained high-level exchanges—the 60th anniversary of relations, President Hichilema’s visit to Japan, engagement with the Osaka–Kansai Expo, and the Vice President’s participation in TICAD 9—he called the partnership a renewed bond between like-minded countries. Under Japan’s new administration led by its first female Prime Minister, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, he highlighted prospects of deepening cooperation in mining, health, agriculture, and private sector development; advance the investment agreement and business links; support grassroots efforts through JICA and NGOs; expand youth exchanges; and promote sustainable growth in economic, human capital, and cultural spheres.
Representing the Government of the Republic of Zambia, Hon. Doreen Mwamba, M.P., Minister of Community Development and Social Services, congratulated His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on his 66th birthday and welcomed the steadily advancing partnership. She emphasised opportunities to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, renewable energy, ICT, and other priority areas, recalling last year’s presidential visit and the signing of the investment agreement. She welcomed upcoming bilateral political consultations, thanked Japan for its support across education, health, infrastructure and other sectors, praised JICA and the Embassy of Japan in Lusaka for expanding opportunities for youth, and invited collaboration in emerging fields to further the prosperity of both peoples.
The reception also featured booths from 11 Japanese companies based in Zambia and South Africa, showcasing automobiles and a range of advanced technologies, products, and services. Guests enjoyed Japanese cuisine, including tempura and sushi, along with sake, which proved especially popular. Additionally, many participants visited a Japanese culture booth and enjoyed cross-cultural exchanges.