Japan’s National Day Reception 2010

In December 2011, The Embassy of Japan hosted receptions to celebrate Japan’s National Day (The Emperor’s birthday, December 23) on December 1 in Cape Town and on December 7 in Pretoria respectively.

The reception at Cape Town received guests including Mr. Alderman Dan Plato, Executive Mayor of Cape Town, and Ms. Mona Bracher, great-granddaughter of Mr. Julius Jeppe, the first Honorary Consul of Japan to South Africa. It also featured Ikebana (flower arrangement) and Bonsai (dwarf tree) displays as well as Wadaiko (Japanese drums) and Karate demonstrations.

The reception at Pretoria received guests including Mr. Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of Police, Mr. Godfrey Oliphant, Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources, Mr. Geoff Doige, former Minister of Public Works and King of The Royal Bafokeng Nation. Other guests to name are Ms. Danielle Crafford, former President of Ikebana International Pretoria Chapter, and Dr. Baldwin Sipho Ngubane, former Ambassador to Japan, both of who were decorated with orders of Japan this year.

In his speech, Ambassador Toshiro Ozawa wrapped up the Japan-South Africa Centennial Celebration events and declared its completion. He reflected on a variety of Centennial events ranging from culture to business, former Foreign Minister Okada’s visit to South Africa, FIFA World Cup and Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado’s visit to South Africa, and the order decorations on the two South Africans, and the resolution adopted unanimously by the National Assembly to acknowledge the Centennial Celebration and express gratitude to the Japanese government for 100 years of friendship. He made a toast in hope for further development of South Africa and prosperity of the bilateral strategic and cooperative partnership.

[ Click here for Ambassador’s speech ]

Minister Mthethwa, the guest of honor, while making reference to achievements of Japan’s national team in FIFA World Cup and the Centennial Celebration events, described 2010 as a remarkable year for both countries. He expressed hope for the contribution from the establishment of Centre for Japan Studies and investment from Japanese enterprises to South Africa as well as Japan’s role in trade and development programs with South Africa. Furthermore, he mentioned prospected visits to Japan by President Jacob Zuma and Minister of International Relations and Co-operation Maite Nkoana- Mashabane, making a toast for further prosperity of the bilateral relations in the next 100 years.

[ Click here for speech by Minister Mthethwa ]

Ambassador Ozawa and Minister Mthethwa
(December 7, Pretoria)