Embassy of Japan in Malawi
在マラウイ日本国大使館

Each year the Embassy of Japan in Malawi commemorates His Majesty Emperor Akihito’s Birthday. This year, the celebrations took place at the Capital Hotel in Lilongwe on the 4th December, 2013. The reception was attended by a total of 157 invited guests including the guest of honor, Hon. Ephraim Chiume, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Hon. Dr. James Munthali, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; Hon. Dr. Cornelius Mwalwanda, Deputy Minister of Finance; Hon. Godfrey Kamanya, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development; Hon. Peter Mutharika, President of the Democratic Progressive Party; Reverend Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, President of the Malawi Congress Party; members of diplomatic corps and international organizations; and members of the Japanese community.

Ambassador Nishioka, Madam Nishioka, Hon. Minister Chiume and Deputy Head of Missions Mr. Kobayashi (From right)

Part of the invited guest during the reception

In his remarks, Ambassador Shuichiro Nishioka said, the strong ties between the Governments of Malawi and Japan continually strengthened this year with the high level talks that President Joyce Banda had with Japan’s Prime Minister Shizo Abe on two different occasions, during the TICAD V and the Japan-African Regional Economic Communities Summit Roundtable on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Ambassador Nishioka also expressed that, Japan wishes to prioritize its support to Malawi’s development in a bid to assist Malawi in attracting more investors. He encouraged the people of Malawi to redouble their efforts in attaining development and even as they prepare for the tripartite elections and the country’s 50th independence anniversary next year.

Honorable Ephraim Chiume also gave a speech and he expressed deep appreciation for the continued fruitful and beneficial relations between Malawi and Japan, the assistance that Japan continues to render in the areas of health, energy, education and sanitation among others. He also mentioned of Japan’s cooperation both at regional and multilateral levels which saw Malawi participating in the TICAD V in Yokohama, Japan in June, 2013. He stressed that Japans’ spirit of hard work continues to inspire the people of Malawi as they endeavor to achieve sustainable social economic development. He then closed by reaffirming Malawi Government’s commitment to deepen its cooperation with Japan Government in all spheres of development for the mutual benefit of the people.

Ambassador Nishioka and Hon. Minister Chiume making a toast after the speeches

During the reception, a video that filmed His Majesty Emperor Akihito’s visits to foreign countries was screened. JTI and Toyota Malawi also exhibited some of their corporate activities and products in the company booths that were created in the reception room.

A video of His Majesty Emperor Akihito being beamed during the reception

Part of the audience being briefed on some of JTI’s CSR activities

TOYOTA Malawi’s exhibit stand

In order to spice up the celebration, the invited guests had a chance to try the Japanese cuisine such as tempra which a Japanese chef prepared in front of the guests.

The chefs preparingtempra for the invited guests

Click here for Ambassador Nishioka’s speech.