Reception for the Celebration of the Emperor’s Birthday (February 26, 2026)

On 26 February 2026, Ambassador Mr. Iwasaki Satoshi and Mrs. Iwasaki hosted a reception for the Emperor's Birthday at a hotel in Nicosia . Approximately 250 people attended the reception, including Mr. Alexis Vafeadis, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, as well as representatives from the government of the Republic of Cyprus, businesses, academia, cultural organizations, and the diplomatic corps. The ceremony began with the national anthems of both countries performed by musicians from the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. Ambassador Iwasaki touched upon the 64 years of friendly relations between Japan and Cyprus, stating that as a true friend of Cyprus, the Japanese government and people will always stand by the efforts of the government of the Republic of Cyprus and people towards achieving peace and a stable society. Ambassador Iwasaki also took this opportunity to introduce Mr. Costas Papacostas, who has contributed for many years to the promotion of Judo in Cyprus and the strengthening of Japan-Cyprus relations, and who last year became the first Cypriot to receive a decoration, praising Mr. Papacostas's achievements.

Mr. Vafeadis, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, gave a keynote address, expressing expectations for the future development of relations between the two countries, particularly in the fields of education, innovation, shipping, and culture. Following the speeches, Ambassador Iwasaki performed a Kagami-Biraki (sake barrel breaking ceremony) with Minister Vafeadis, praying for the further development of friendly relations between the two countries.

At the venue, visitors were welcomed by Ikebana arrangements created by teachers from the Philanthi Ikebana Club. In addition, Japanese cuisine prepared with local ingredients was provided by Mr. Naoya Otsu, a Japanese Chef , and a special sake corner was set up where Embassy’s staff  introduced and served different flavors from various regions in Japan, promoting the appeal of Japanese food culture and allowing attendees to enjoy themselves.

This year, with the cooperation of local dealerships handling Japanese cars and motorcycles, TOYOTA exhibited its latest electric vehicle model, the bZ4X. HONDA and YAMAHA displayed a variety of popular motorcycle models, which were very well received.

At the booths set up to introduce Japanese companies and organizations, companies such as Kawasaki, which has been selling motorcycles locally for many years, Furuno Cyprus, a comprehensive manufacturer of marine electronic equipment, and IHI Corporation, which is promoting cooperation and collaboration in the space development field with the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO), as well as the Cyprus University of Technology, which is promoting cooperative projects in the agricultural field with Japanese universities, and the Cyprus Energy Agency, which is carrying out greening in Cyprus using Japanese afforestation technology, exhibited their respective activities, greatly enhancing the event.

In addition, with the cooperation of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the Mie Prefecture Tourism Division, and Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, Inc., the attractiveness of tourism in Japan and culture in various parts of the country were introduced. JETRO also took this opportunity to introduce its investment promotion scheme. Thanks to the warm support of all attendees and collaborators, the reception was a great success.
 
We express our sincere gratitude to your kind support.