The Embassy of Japan in New Delhi celebrated the country’s National Day in style by hosting a grand reception at the lush green lawns of Ambassador Kenji Hiramatsu’s residence. The National Day of Japan is observed to celebrate the birthday of the Emperor, who turned 84 on 23 December.
The reception was attended by senior Indian diplomats, foreign envoys, academicians, businessmen and journalists. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, who is rarely seen at such functions, was conspicuous by his presence.
Some 20 Japanese companies put up an exhibition of their products at the exhibition and explained to the guests new business initiatives in India. Stalls were also put up by Indian companies that have been engaged in trade with Japan.
Welcoming the guests after the national anthems of India and Japan were played, the Japanese envoy wished for the continued good health and happiness of Japan’s revered Emperor. He said, “This year was characterised by the historic visit of Prime Minister Abe to Gujarat in September and by the visibly enhanced people-to-people exchanges as the Year of Japan-India friendly exchanges.”
Hiramatsu said the strategic dialogue between the two Prime Ministers on regional and global issues was becoming increasingly deep and substantial. India was an obvious, essential, and the most reliable partner for Japan to work with, in coping with the challenges that the world faces today. “Japan places India at the centre of its Indo-Pacific strategy,” he added. He said the two countries were discovering new avenues of collaboration, for instance, in retail, services sectors, and start-ups