By Danah Al-Shehabi KUWAIT, Feb 18 (KUNA) -- The Embassy of Japan in Kuwait hosted a reception on Tuesday to celebrate the 65th birthday of the Japanese Emperor, Naruhito, Japan's 126th Emperor, while also promoting the upcoming Kansai-Osaka Expo.
The event, held at the Regency Hotel, welcomed over 300 guests, including Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, as the guest of honor, representatives from government bodies, diplomats, international organizations, business sectors, and media outlets were also in attendance.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait, Mukai Kenichiro expressed his gratitude to the Kuwaiti people and emphasized the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations, and extended his wishes of continued prosperity and progress for Kuwait under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
"I am very happy to be able to celebrate our national day here with the people of Kuwait, along with the 64th National Day of the State of Kuwait and the 34th anniversary of its liberation next week," he added.
Ambassador Mukai underscored the importance of economic collaboration, referencing the recent 4th session of the Policy Dialogue and the 5th Japan-Kuwait Electricity and Water and Renewable Energy Policy Dialogue, where officials from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry discussed concrete cooperation projects.
He also highlighted the Kansai-Osaka Expo 2025, set to open on April 13, as a significant opportunity to deepen bilateral ties through technological and cultural exchange.
"One of the attracting exhibitions is the Kuwait Pavilion. Called "The Light of Foresight," the pavilion is full of the spirit of hospitality that is typical of Kuwait, a fusion of tradition and high technology. We encourage everyone here to make the trip to Osaka," he remarked.
The ambassador said that Japan remains an attractive investment destination, with capital investment surpassing USD 700 billion in 2023, and encouraged Kuwaiti businesses to explore partnerships in fields like AI, advanced mobility, renewable energy, and healthcare technologies, which will be featured at the Expo.
The reception was a vivid showcase of Japanese heritage and technological advancement, guests were treated to an array of authentic Japanese cuisine, including Osaka specialties like Kushi-katsu and Oshizushi, specially prepared by the ambassador's chef using local Kuwaiti ingredients, and visitors were invited to experience traditional Japanese tea, offering a serene retreat amid the festivities.
A corner dedicated to Ishikawa Prefecture, Ambassador Mukai's hometown, highlighted the region's rich offerings, from agricultural products to traditional crafts, and attendees sampled the exclusive "Ruby Roman Jelly", made from a rare grape variety that fetched JPY 1 million per bunch at auction in 2024.
Reflecting Japan's commitment to sustainability, the embassy also displayed hybrid cars from Lexus, Mazda, and Suzuki.
Ambassador Mukai also acknowledged the enduring popularity of Japanese culture in Kuwait, highlighted by a display of anime figures from "Figurama Collectors", including pieces from the "Attack on Titan" anime.
He reflected on the anime's message of peace and the value of human life, expressing hope for greater global cooperation to achieve peace.
The evening concluded with Ambassador Mukai reaffirming Japan's commitment to deepening friendship and expanding partnerships with Kuwait, "The relationship we are building together extends beyond the economy to culture, education, and the shared aspiration for a better future," he said.
The reception not only commemorated the Emperor's birthday but also served as a reflection of the bilateral relations between Japan and Kuwait, and offered the guests a taste of Japanese culture, innovation, and hospitality. (end) dss.mb