Emperor’s Birthday Reception 2023
2023/2/28
On 28 February, Ambassador Maruyama hosted a reception in celebration of the 63rd birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at the Ambassador’s residence, which was attended by 132 distinguished guests, including the Ceann Comhairle Mr Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD and members of the Oireachtas, the Attorney General Mr Rossa Fanning SC, Minister of State Senator Pippa Hackett, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Councillor Mary Hanafin, Irish Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives from the academic, cultural, sporting and business communities.
Following the performance of both the Japanese and Irish national anthems at the start of the reception by Mr Philip Horan on the Japanese instrument shakuhachi and Mr Charles Marshall on the piano, Ambassador Maruyama gave a speech. Ambassador Maruyama congratulated His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on his 63rd birthday, and reflected on the economic cooperation and person-to-person exchanges between Japan and Ireland that were enhanced despite being in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. In July 2022, then Taoiseach Mr Micheál Martin TD visited Japan and issued a Joint Leaders' Statement with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.
In February this year, a delegation from Ireland, including the Ceann Comhairle Mr Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, visited Japan. After Ambassador Maruyama concluded his remarks, the Ceann Comhairle gave a congratulatory address to His Majesty the Emperor and spoke about his visit to Japan in February, at which time he visited Hiroshima to lay a wreath in memory of the victims of the atomic bombing.
In addition, a number of companies had exhibition stands and Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan was also highlighted. It was a great opportunity for the reception guests to experience the charm of Japan while enjoying sake and Japanese food.
Transcript of the Ambassador's remarks
Following the performance of both the Japanese and Irish national anthems at the start of the reception by Mr Philip Horan on the Japanese instrument shakuhachi and Mr Charles Marshall on the piano, Ambassador Maruyama gave a speech. Ambassador Maruyama congratulated His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on his 63rd birthday, and reflected on the economic cooperation and person-to-person exchanges between Japan and Ireland that were enhanced despite being in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. In July 2022, then Taoiseach Mr Micheál Martin TD visited Japan and issued a Joint Leaders' Statement with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.
In February this year, a delegation from Ireland, including the Ceann Comhairle Mr Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, visited Japan. After Ambassador Maruyama concluded his remarks, the Ceann Comhairle gave a congratulatory address to His Majesty the Emperor and spoke about his visit to Japan in February, at which time he visited Hiroshima to lay a wreath in memory of the victims of the atomic bombing.
In addition, a number of companies had exhibition stands and Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan was also highlighted. It was a great opportunity for the reception guests to experience the charm of Japan while enjoying sake and Japanese food.
Transcript of the Ambassador's remarks
