2023 Emperor's Birthday Celebration Reception
2023/3/2
On Thursday, February 16, Mr. Aniya, Head of the Consular Office of Japan in Anchorage, and Mrs. Aniya hosted a reception to celebrate the 63rd birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at the Anchorage Museum in the city center.
After the national anthems of both Japan and the United States of America were played, Mr. Aniya mentioned in his remarks that the only time he met the Emperor up close was in 2002, when the Crown Prince and Princess at that time visited New Zealand, and Princess Aiko, who was only one year old then, was at home in Japan, and that now she was 22, and “Reiwa”, which means "beautiful harmony," entered its fifth year this year. He also mentioned that the Consular Office held two events (“Online Youth Forum” and “Online Arctic Symposium”) as an initiative to promote "beautiful harmony," and in the future, further exchanges between the Chitose Ainu Association and the people of Alaska were expected, and that the Consular Office would make efforts to further develop "beautiful harmony" between Japan and Alaska.
Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson then mentioned in his congratulatory remarks that he visited Japan frequently when he was young and active as a pilot, and still felt a sense of familiarity with Japan through his participation in some Japanese events, and that he was delighted to join the joyful event.
At the end of the ceremony, Mr. Aniya gave a toast, and the participants had a pleasant chat in a gorgeous atmosphere surrounded by images of various parts of Japan projected on the large screens of the museum.
After the national anthems of both Japan and the United States of America were played, Mr. Aniya mentioned in his remarks that the only time he met the Emperor up close was in 2002, when the Crown Prince and Princess at that time visited New Zealand, and Princess Aiko, who was only one year old then, was at home in Japan, and that now she was 22, and “Reiwa”, which means "beautiful harmony," entered its fifth year this year. He also mentioned that the Consular Office held two events (“Online Youth Forum” and “Online Arctic Symposium”) as an initiative to promote "beautiful harmony," and in the future, further exchanges between the Chitose Ainu Association and the people of Alaska were expected, and that the Consular Office would make efforts to further develop "beautiful harmony" between Japan and Alaska.
Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson then mentioned in his congratulatory remarks that he visited Japan frequently when he was young and active as a pilot, and still felt a sense of familiarity with Japan through his participation in some Japanese events, and that he was delighted to join the joyful event.
At the end of the ceremony, Mr. Aniya gave a toast, and the participants had a pleasant chat in a gorgeous atmosphere surrounded by images of various parts of Japan projected on the large screens of the museum.