Reception hosted to mark 63rd birthday of Emperor Naruhito

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 16:  Ambassador of Japan to Nepal Kikuta Yutaka Wednesday hosted a reception to celebrate the 63rd birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito.

In the event held at his official residence in Tahachal, about 400 guests, including Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly Urmila Aryal, former  ministers, lawmakers, ambassadors and heads of international organisations in Nepal, representatives of the business community,  government officials and others were present.

 Ambassador Kikuta welcomed all the guests mentioning his pleasure at finally being able to host the reception after three years.

He also mentioned that high-level exchanges, stalled by COVID-19, had resumed with the visit to Nepal by Takei Shunsuke, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, in November last year.

 At the reception, the Foreign Minister's Commendation for fiscal year 2022 was presented to Japanese Universities Alumni Association, Nepal (JUAAN). 

The year 2022 marked the 120th anniversary since the first eight Nepali students were dispatched to Japan, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of JUAAN.

 The Commendation was awarded in recognition of JUAAN’s contribution to the long history of educational exchanges between Japan and Nepal. 

Dr. Prabin Shrestha, President of JUAAN, delivered a thank-you speech.