Japanese Embassy hosts event in Seoul to celebrate emperor's birthday
By Im Yoon-seoPosted : February 20, 2025, 14:16Updated : February 20, 2025, 14:18
Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako wave from the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo during his birthday celebration, in this file photo from February 2023. Kyodo News-Yonhap
SEOUL, February 20 (AJP) - The Japanese Embassy in Seoul hosted an event at a hotel in central Seoul to celebrate Emperor Naruhito's birthday on Wednesday, bringing together government officials, diplomats, and other distinguished guests.
Japan's overseas missions elsewhere have also been holding similar annual celebrations in observance of the emperor's 64th birthday, which falls on Feb. 23. Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne in 2019.
Japanese Ambassador Koichi Mizushima stressed the significance of this year's event, which coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Seoul and Tokyo.
South Korea's first vice foreign minister Kim Hong-kyun who attended the event, also emphasized the need for continued cooperation. "Seoul and Tokyo have built mutual trust over the past 60 years, and we should further develop bilateral relations," Kim said in his congratulatory message.
Japan's Emperor Naruhito. AFP-Yonhap
The evening included a ceremonial toast with the countries' national anthems being played. A portrait of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako was also displayed on the occasion for the first time, amid recently improved relations between the two countries.
But a group of anti-Japanese activists gathered and staged a rally in front of the hotel, as the two neighboring countries remain at loggerheads over several political and historical issues.
