The Embassy of Japan marked His Majesty Emperor Akihito's 81st birthday by hosting a cocktail reception on Wednesday 3rd December, 2014. The grand affair was attended by people from different walks of life including government officials; members of the diplomatic corps; and representatives from the private sector and civil society. Notable faces included Finance Minister, Goodall Gondwe who was the Guest of Honour; Labour Minister, Henry Mussa; Energy Minister, Atupele Muluzi; Trade and Industry Minister, Joseph Mwanamvekha; Health Minister, Jean Kalirani; Agriculture Minister, Allan Chiyembekeza; Information Minister, Kondwani Nankhumwa; Justice Minister Samuel Tembenu; and Speaker of the National Assembly, Richard Msowoya who attended alongside his two deputies Esther Mcheka Chilenje and Clement Chiwaya.
The ceremony kick-started with a remarkable performance of the two countries’ national anthems, which were sung in the vernacular languages by a group of Japanese volunteers. The guests appeared to be particularly intrigued by the performance of the Malawi National Anthem in such eloquent Chichewa. The volunteers also spiced up the event by entertaining guests with musical pieces as the reception progressed. Also spicing up the event was the Sake ceremony, which is a Japanese traditional celebratory rite of breaking open a barrel of rice wine with wooden hammers and then sharing the wine with guests whilst making toasts.
In making his remarks, Ambassador Shuichiro Nishioka of Japan explained that this year was special as Japan had clocked 50 years of close friendship and cooperation with Malawi. He expressed much gratitude for Malawi’s friendship. Hon. Goodall Gondwe on the other hand, conveyed a message of congratulations and best wishes from President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to His Majesty Emperor Akihito and the Government of Japan.
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Hon.Gondwe, Ambassador Mr. Nishioka, Resident Representative of JICA Malawi, Mr. Tokuhashi taking part in the Sake Ceremony
