Reception to Celebrate the Emperor of Japan’s Birthday (4 December 2018)

A reception in celebration of the Emperor’s birthday was held at the Mission of Japan on 4 December. The reception was jointly hosted by Ambassador Ihara, Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Takamizawa, Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament, and Ambassador Okaniwa, Deputy Permanent Representative to the International Organizations and Chief of the Consulate in Geneva. Ambassadors from other Permanent Missions and heads of international organizations in Geneva were among the approximately 500 guests in attendance. There was a variety of food and drink on offer in the bustling reception hall, including the first rice of the year, freshly steamed, and a selection of sake (rice wine) and red and white wines from different parts of Japan. Guests also enjoyed green tea served by a Japanese tea ambassador.

The three ambassadors and their spouses greeting guests

Ambassador Ihara greeting a guest

Ambassador Okaniwa greeting a guest

Freshly steamed koshihikari rice from the first harvest of the year in Niigata Prefecture

Guests enjoying a selection of sake and wine from Japan

Green tea being served to guests by a Japanese tea ambassador