2025 National Day Reception
2025/3/3
On February 27th, Head Consul Hamada hosted the National Day reception in celebration of the 65th birthday of His Majesty, Emperor Naruhito of Japan, at the Marriott Anchorage Downtown, which was attended by approximately 220 invited guests.
At the ceremony, Pipeline Vocal Project, a vocal group active in Anchorage, sang the national anthems of Japan and the United States, followed by an opening address by Head Consul Hamada, who mentioned the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting between Prime Minister Ishiba and President Trump in February, and spoke about elevating the Japan-U.S. Alliance to new heights, as well as new opportunities for collaboration between Japan and Alaska through strengthening energy security.
After that, the guest of honor, Governor Mike Dunleavy of the State of Alaska, gave a speech in which he emphasized the progress of economic relations between Japan and Alaska, and the possibility of further strengthening relations in the future, and stated that Japan is “Alaska's best friend.” Mayor of Anchorage Suzanne LaFrance, and US Army Deputy Commanding General Thomas Burke also gave speeches, emphasizing the importance of Japan-U.S. and Japan-Alaska relations. A final toast was given by George Tolbert, President of the Japan Alaska Association.
At the reception, guests enjoyed Japanese sakes, Japanese wines, sushi, and ikebana flower arrangements by the Ikenobo Ikebana Society of America (Anchorage chapter). There were also booths showcasing Japanese companies doing business in Alaska, the Japan Alaska Association, and local governments which have a sister city affiliation with Alaskan cities, allowing guests to experience the allure of Japan.
At the ceremony, Pipeline Vocal Project, a vocal group active in Anchorage, sang the national anthems of Japan and the United States, followed by an opening address by Head Consul Hamada, who mentioned the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting between Prime Minister Ishiba and President Trump in February, and spoke about elevating the Japan-U.S. Alliance to new heights, as well as new opportunities for collaboration between Japan and Alaska through strengthening energy security.
After that, the guest of honor, Governor Mike Dunleavy of the State of Alaska, gave a speech in which he emphasized the progress of economic relations between Japan and Alaska, and the possibility of further strengthening relations in the future, and stated that Japan is “Alaska's best friend.” Mayor of Anchorage Suzanne LaFrance, and US Army Deputy Commanding General Thomas Burke also gave speeches, emphasizing the importance of Japan-U.S. and Japan-Alaska relations. A final toast was given by George Tolbert, President of the Japan Alaska Association.
At the reception, guests enjoyed Japanese sakes, Japanese wines, sushi, and ikebana flower arrangements by the Ikenobo Ikebana Society of America (Anchorage chapter). There were also booths showcasing Japanese companies doing business in Alaska, the Japan Alaska Association, and local governments which have a sister city affiliation with Alaskan cities, allowing guests to experience the allure of Japan.
