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

Emperor's Birthday Reception

November 12, 2015

On November 12, 2015, the Embassy of Japan hosted the Emperor's Birthday Reception at the Ambassador's Residence. The reception was attended by government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from the private sector and civil society. Notable faces included the Guest of Honour, Hon. Dr. George Chaponda, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Bright Msaka, Minister of Natural Resources, Energy, and Mining, Hon. Henry Mussa, Minister of Labour, Youth, and Manpower Development, Hon. Samuel Tembenu, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Dr. Peter Kumpalume, Minister of Health, Hon. Esther Nkhoma, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, President of the Malawi Congress Party, Hon. Uladi Mussa, Vice President of the People's Party, and Hon. David Bisnowaty, MP for Lilongwe City Centre.

In his speech, Ambassador Nishioka stated that Japan-Malawi relations continued to grow from strength to strength. He mentioned numerous positive outcomes of the bilateral relationship this year, including: the Hon. Minister Chaponda's visit to Japan where he also attended the UN Conference on Disasater Risk Reduction; the Government of Japan making the largest grant donation in the history of the Japan-Malawi relations, which includes the Project for the Expansion of the Tedzani Electricity Hydropower Station and the Project for Expansion of the Terminal Building at Kamuzu International Airport; the Government of Japan offering grant support to projects in agriculture, education, and health under the Grass-roots Human Security Projects scheme; and supporting sporting events in Malawi through the Sport for Tomorrow initative toward the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

In his speech, the Guest of Honour, Hon. Minister Chaponda stated that it was inspiring to note that Japan endured many challenges and was able to come out strong economically, politically, and democratically from the ashes of the Second World War. On behalf of the Government and the people of Malawi, he expressed gratitude to Japan for the relief support in response to the flooding and the support in advancing Malawi's development efforts in key areas including agriculture, education, infrastructure, energy, health, and science technology. The Minister said Malawi would emulate the spirit of hard work and resilience from the people of Japan in order to achieve its development aspirations.

The ceremony was spiced up with performances by the members of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), whose organization celebrates its 50th anniversary. Other highlights were the Sake ceremony for good health and prosperity, tasting of Japanese food, and corporate booths exhibiting Japanese products.

Singing of the two countries' national anthems by the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV)

The reception was held at the Ambassador's Residence for the first time

Japanese food demonstration by the Japanese Chef: grilling of Yakitori (grilled chicken)