On 22 Feb. 2023, Ambassador KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko hosted a National Day Reception at the Shangri-La The Fort to celebrate the 63rd birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.
Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. joined the occasion and extended his well wishes to His Majesty.
Photo of His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito on slideshow c/o the Imperial Household Agency of Japan
In his speech, Ambassador Koshikawa highlighted that the official visit to Japan of President Marcos “reaffirmed the friendly relations between our countries and charted its future course.”
He underscored that the bilateral ties of Japan and the Philippines are poised to reach even greater heights especially in the areas of economics, defense, and people-to-people exchanges collaborations like the Metro Manila Subway, North-South Commuter Railway, and Coast Guard Cooperation.
He also noted the post-pandemic revival and growth of tourism and the vibrant exchanges in sports as promising avenues for Japan and the Philippines.
Ambassador Koshikawa mentioned the successes of Gymnast Carlos Yulo, Golfer SASO Yuka, and Karateka TSUKII Junna, as well as the Filipino basketball players of the Japan B.League as prime examples.
He also expresses optimism for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup, which Japan will co-host with the Philippines and Indonesia.
Meanwhile, President Marcos Jr. wished “abundant happiness and blessings to His Majesty The Emperor as he leads Japan to continued prosperity and the promotion of peace.”
He also noted that the Philippines was committed to maintaining the “positive trajectory” of its bilateral relations with Japan, and described Japan as a “friend, neighbor, and strategic partner.”
Accordingly, Vice-President Sara Duterte also joined the celebration virtually by sharing a special video message.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senators Mark Villar and Juan Edgardo Angara, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Cabinet Members including Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, ICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, and Acting Presidential Adviser Isidro Purisima also joined the celebration of his Majesty’s birthday.
Guests were treated to fantastic cultural showcase as legendary Taiko Master, Leonard Eto performed a rousing Taiko demonstration, and a special Kulintang duet with Tusa Montes.
At the reception, 29 booths were set up by Japanese companies and organizations to promote thAt the reception, 29 booths were set up by Japanese companies and organizations to promote their products.
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