Japan marks Emperor Naruhito’s 66th birthday in Karachi

Staff Reporter

Karachi: The Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi on Tuesday hosted the Emperor’s Birthday Reception to mark the 66th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, bringing together senior government officials, diplomats and representatives from business, education and civil society at a ceremony held at a local hotel.

Governor Sindh Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori and Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani attended the event as chief guests, along with members of the diplomatic corps and other prominent figures.

In his welcome address, Consul General Hattori Masaru said it was a privilege to host his third national day celebration in Karachi and reflected on the longstanding and cordial relations between Japan and Pakistan. He noted that bilateral cooperation has continued to expand across multiple sectors and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to working closely with federal and provincial authorities for shared development and prosperity.

Hattori highlighted Japan’s contributions to Pakistan’s socio-economic progress, particularly in disaster risk reduction, healthcare and education. He said Tokyo remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen resilience and improve public services.

Governor Tessori congratulated the Japanese government and people on their national day and appreciated Japan’s support for Pakistani workers and students in Japan. He also acknowledged Japan’s role in promoting sustainable development and emphasized the need to further enhance collaboration between Sindh and Japan in trade, investment and social sectors.

The reception featured cultural elements, including Ikebana flower arrangements and Bonsai displays, offering guests a glimpse into traditional Japanese aesthetics. The evening concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting and dinner serving both Japanese and Pakistani cuisine, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two countries.