Emperor's Birthday Reception 2021

On 23rd February, the reception to celebrate the 61st birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito was held at the residence of Ambassador Fujiwara with a restricted number of participants such as Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith and Honourable State Minister, Senator Leslie Campbell.
 
Ambassador Fujiwara mentioned in his speech that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1964, the relationship between the two countries developed to be called the J-J Partnership, through such events as the Japan-CARICOM Summit and the visit of Prime Minister Abe of Japan to Jamaica. Ambassador Fujiwara also highlighted three points regarding the relationship between the two countries under the COVID pandemic, (1) promotion of cooperation in the medical area, (2) continuation of major areas of cooperation such as environmental protection and prevention of natural disasters as similar island states, and (3) the vision of the reopening of interchanges at the grassroots level such as the JOCV (Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers) and JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) programmes. Ambassador Fujiwara also mentioned that the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics have a special significance to demonstrate resilience against the COVID pandemic and to give courage and hope to people from all over the world.
(You can click here for the full speech. )
 
              Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, celebrated the 61st birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito and extended best wishes to him and his family, for the health, prosperity and happiness of the people of Japan, and hope for a bright future. She also expressed deep appreciation for Japan’s invaluable support in the medical area during COVID, and appreciation for the exchange programmes such as the JOCV and JET. The Minister emphasised her confidence in Japan’s capacity to host a safe, enjoyable and rewarding Olympic and Paralympic Games, and expressed hope that the bilateral relationship will be further strengthened.
 
This reception was transmitted live online to many invitees.