On Feb. 23, Japan Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa hosted the annual National Day reception at the Grand Hyatt Manila to celebrate the 64th birthday of the Emperor of Japan. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin graced the event and led the toast in honor of “the health of His Majesty the Emperor, the continued peace and prosperity of the Japanese people and the lasting friendship between the Philippines and Japan.”
In his speech, Koshikawa reflected on the dramatic growth of Japan-Philippine relations. He lauded the mutual visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Japan, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to the Philippines in 2023, emphasizing its significance in reaffirming friendly relations and setting a course for the future.
He also highlighted the postpandemic resurgence of tourism, revealing that the tourist numbers from the Philippines to Japan reached a record high in 2023. “Last July the number was the highest in Asean. People-to-people exchange is flourishing. We would like to keep our country attractive to the Filipino people,” he added.
Koshikawa also affirmed Japan’s commitment to the economic cooperation with the Philippines, mentioning the construction of several important infrastructure projects.Other guests present were House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown.
Former Prime Minister Cesar E. A. Virata, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, presidential adviser Carlito Galvez and Senators Cynthia Villar and Francis Tolentino were also present.
Pauline Therese D.V. Arejola sang both the Philippine and Japanese National Anthems, while Action showcased a karate demonstration. In addition, Alumni of the Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts performed the Ryukyu Buyo, Okinawan traditional dance.
Complementing the festivities, 29 booths were set up by Japanese companies and organizations, providing a platform to showcase their products.