Reception celebrating birthday of the Japanese Emperor 2011

 
 
 
 

Japanese Emperor’s birthday reception was held on the 6th of December 2011 at one of Kiev’s hotels.

A the beginning, accompanied by the associate professor of Chaikovski National academy of music Iryna Alexiychuk, the soloist of Khmelnitskiy regional philharmonic association Olena Leonova (soprano) performed national anthems of Japan and Ukraine.

After that, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Japan in Ukraine Sakata Toichi gave a speech informing all the participants of the present situation and prospective of Japanese-Ukrainian relations, expressing his gratitude to the Government of Ukraine, various companies and all Ukrainians for their support after the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and emphasizing the determination of Japan for quick recovery from the catastrophe.

In the cultural corner master of Urasenke school Olga Sylnytska and representative of the “Tea room” Valentina Sherbina demonstrated Japanese tea ceremony with the master and director of Moldova branch of Ikenobo school Anzhela Lobastov and teacher of “Far East” foundation Olena Kapranova presenting Japanese art of arranging flowers ikebana.

Besides, soloists of the “Kiev nightingales” choir, who were also present at the reception, performed the anthem of Japanese Ministry of Education, famous Japanese song called “Furusato” (“Hometown”).

Lastly, Japanese company “Choya” kindly agreed to organize the tasting of Japanese plum wine and sake, which were very much liked by the guests.

The event was attended by over 300 people, representatives of the Government of Ukraine, universities, research institutes, members of public organization, diplomatic missions and Japanese companies, who discussed various topics including further promotion of friendly relations between Japan and Ukraine.

Ambassador’s speech can be found here.