Reception for the 65th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
2025/2/27
On 27th February, 2025, H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Matsuura, Ambassador of Japan hosted a reception at his residence to celebrate the 65th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito. The reception was attended by H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Kalonzo Musyoka, Leader of Wiper Party, officials from the Government of Kenya, Senators, members of Parliament and the Diplomatic Corps as well as guests from the private sector and the Japanese community in Kenya.
Summary of Ambassador Matsuura's opening address: Full text
His Majesty the Emperor celebrated his 65th birthday on the 23rd of this month. I am honoured to celebrate this special day with Your Excellency Mudavadi and all of you here today. In my opinion, His Majesty has a special attachment to Kenya, as evidenced by his visit to Kenya in 2010, his message to President Ruto, and the fact that Princess Aiko greeted President Ruto in Swahili at the luncheon hosted by His Majesty during President Ruto's visit to Japan last year. His Majesty's deep sympathy and love for Kenya is not unique to him, but is widely and deeply shared by the Japanese people.
Kenya and Japan share a strong partnership based on liberalism, multilateralism and Pan-Africanism. Over the last two years, our relations have been significantly strengthened through high-level exchanges and cooperation in various areas including trade, investment, defence and health. The number of Japanese companies in Kenya has increased, contributing to the Kenyan economy. Furthermore, the establishment of the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations in Nairobi demonstrates our respect for Kenya’s commitment to multilateralism. The two countries share an optimistic, hardworking and tradition-respecting culture, and their friendship will continue for a long time to come.
Summary of Ambassador Matsuura's opening address: Full text
His Majesty the Emperor celebrated his 65th birthday on the 23rd of this month. I am honoured to celebrate this special day with Your Excellency Mudavadi and all of you here today. In my opinion, His Majesty has a special attachment to Kenya, as evidenced by his visit to Kenya in 2010, his message to President Ruto, and the fact that Princess Aiko greeted President Ruto in Swahili at the luncheon hosted by His Majesty during President Ruto's visit to Japan last year. His Majesty's deep sympathy and love for Kenya is not unique to him, but is widely and deeply shared by the Japanese people.Kenya and Japan share a strong partnership based on liberalism, multilateralism and Pan-Africanism. Over the last two years, our relations have been significantly strengthened through high-level exchanges and cooperation in various areas including trade, investment, defence and health. The number of Japanese companies in Kenya has increased, contributing to the Kenyan economy. Furthermore, the establishment of the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations in Nairobi demonstrates our respect for Kenya’s commitment to multilateralism. The two countries share an optimistic, hardworking and tradition-respecting culture, and their friendship will continue for a long time to come.