KARACHI: The Consul General of Japan in Karachi, His Excellency Toshikazu Isomura, hosted a clinquant grand dinner reception on the eve of 29 November, to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty Emperor Akihito, who will be 85 years on December 23, 2018.
[huge_it_slider id=”315″]
An alluring event was hosted at Pearl Continental Hotel; the Consul General of many countries and a large cross section of the city’s elite, including industrialists, businessmen, ministers, lawyers, politicians and professionals had responded to his invitation, making the event highly impressive.
The guests enjoyed the hospitality of Japanese Consul General, H.E. Toshikazu Isomura and his diplomatic team. The eminent guests also took keen interest in Japanese literature and culture displayed at this event on late Thursday evening. The arrangements were done to portray the rich culture of Japan with the help of scenic photos and videos. The buffet dinner served to the guests was also Japanese themed with dishes including sushi, tempura and sake.
The Japanese Consul General, in his welcome speech, stated that Japanese Emperor’s birth day actually falls on December 23 but it was being celebrated by Japan’s missions before as most of Japanese diplomats posted round the world would be on leave to join grand celebrations of their Emperor in their home country.
He emphasized his heartfelt commitment in further promoting economic relations, and vibrating cultural and people-to-people exchange between Japan and Pakistan.
While addressing the guests he said that he strongly believes Japan – Pakistan relations can develop further and he was determined to do his best, with help from Pakistanis themselves.
The guests felicitated the people of Japan on this joyous occasion and wished the Emperor a long life.
The Consul general said that on May 1 next year Crown Prince Naruhito will ascend the throne. The Imperial House Council has reached an agreement for Emperor Akihito to abdicate on April 30, 2019, marking the first time in about two centuries for an emperor to step down from the Chrysanthemum Throne.
A ritual marking the promotion of Prince Akishino, the younger son of Emperor Akihito, to first in line to the throne will be held on April 19, 2020, about a year after his father will become the first living Japanese monarch to step down in about 200 years.
The Imperial House Law stipulates only males can ascend the throne in the world’s oldest hereditary monarchy. Crown Prince Naruhito only has a daughter — the 16-year old Princess Aiko.
The Japan’s Emperor would step down from the highest symbolic position on 23rd December 2019, on his 86th birth-day and his successor, the Crown Prince, would replace him. The Consul General conveyed his best wishes for the Emperor.
