The Reception to Celebrate the 66th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
2026/2/27
On 24th February 2026, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Seychelles Mr Sakuta, Makoto, hosted a reception to celebrate the 66th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. The reception was attended by President of the Republic of Seychelles Dr. Patrick Herminie with the First Lady, Vice President Mr. Sebastien Pillay, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court His Lordship Rony Govinden, President of the Court of Appeal Hon. Justice Anthony Fernando, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Mr. Barry Faure, who delivered remarks on behalf of the Government of Seychelles, other ministers, members of the National Assembly, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps as well as guests from the private sector and Japanese residents in Seychelles.
At the outset, Ambassador Sakuta extended congratulations to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito. He then reflected on people-to-people exchange events, including last year's port call by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and their joint exercise with the Seychelles Coast Guard, the Japan-Seychelles Foreign Ministers' Meeting at TICAD 9, the Seychelles official delegation’s attendance at the Seychelles National Day for Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan and student exchanges between both countries. He stated that as Japan and Seychelles celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, people-to-people and cultural exchanges as well as our bilateral relations are becoming increasingly important. Furthermore, from the perspective that Seychelles is an important partner in promoting a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)," he mentioned Japan's contribution to maritime security in Seychelles and the Western Indian Ocean through its cooperation in the construction of the Seychelles Marine Police Headquarters.
At the reception, Mr. Yosuke Irie, a Japanese shakuhachi artist (Japanese bamboo flute player) visiting from Japan, played the shakuhachi, and participants enjoyed Japanese food prepared by the Ambassador's Residence chef as well as Japanese sake.
The event also promoted Japan’s attractions with the support of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture, the birthplace of Mr. Samuel Shingow Ohashi (or Mr. Shinko Ohashi), a Japanese photographer who once produced and left many photo postcards depicting the streetscapes and natural scenery of Seychelles. These postcards are now regarded as important historical materials in Seychelles’ history.
Address by Ambassador Sakuta
Address by Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Minister Faure
National Anthems of Japan and Seychelles
Toast
Performance by Mr. Yosuke Irie, Shakuhachi Artist (Japanese Traditional Bamboo Flute Player)
At the outset, Ambassador Sakuta extended congratulations to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito. He then reflected on people-to-people exchange events, including last year's port call by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and their joint exercise with the Seychelles Coast Guard, the Japan-Seychelles Foreign Ministers' Meeting at TICAD 9, the Seychelles official delegation’s attendance at the Seychelles National Day for Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan and student exchanges between both countries. He stated that as Japan and Seychelles celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, people-to-people and cultural exchanges as well as our bilateral relations are becoming increasingly important. Furthermore, from the perspective that Seychelles is an important partner in promoting a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)," he mentioned Japan's contribution to maritime security in Seychelles and the Western Indian Ocean through its cooperation in the construction of the Seychelles Marine Police Headquarters.
At the reception, Mr. Yosuke Irie, a Japanese shakuhachi artist (Japanese bamboo flute player) visiting from Japan, played the shakuhachi, and participants enjoyed Japanese food prepared by the Ambassador's Residence chef as well as Japanese sake.
The event also promoted Japan’s attractions with the support of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture, the birthplace of Mr. Samuel Shingow Ohashi (or Mr. Shinko Ohashi), a Japanese photographer who once produced and left many photo postcards depicting the streetscapes and natural scenery of Seychelles. These postcards are now regarded as important historical materials in Seychelles’ history.
Address by Ambassador Sakuta Address by Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Minister Faure National Anthems of Japan and Seychelles Toast Performance by Mr. Yosuke Irie, Shakuhachi Artist (Japanese Traditional Bamboo Flute Player)