Emperor’s Birthday Celebration
2025/2/21
On February 21, Ambassador Takewaka hosted a reception, celebrating the 65th birthday of His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan. Gamlir Fóstbræður, the leading male choir of the country, sang the national anthems of both countries at the beginning of the reception, which was attended by 119 people, including H.E. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, President of Iceland 1996-2016 and Chairman of Arctic Circle.
After the video introducing Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, due to open April 13, Ambassador Takewaka gave a speech, stating that the Nordic Pavilion, featuring exhibits from five Nordic countries including Iceland, would be a great opportunity for people around the world to learn about the creative businesses, attractive food and refined culture of the Nordic countries. Ambassador also encouraged Iceland and other countries to make an investment in Japan. Mr. Grímsson then gave a toast and spoke about the importance of Japan’s role in the Arctic and the strengthening of relations between Japan and Iceland.
In addition to the embassy booth, companies such as Toyota, Suzuki, Nordic Wasabi Ísland, and iFarm, which is trying to grow strawberries in a plant factory, promoted their products at the event, while dishes made from Japanese scallops, sushi made with Japanese rice and Sake were served.
After the video introducing Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, due to open April 13, Ambassador Takewaka gave a speech, stating that the Nordic Pavilion, featuring exhibits from five Nordic countries including Iceland, would be a great opportunity for people around the world to learn about the creative businesses, attractive food and refined culture of the Nordic countries. Ambassador also encouraged Iceland and other countries to make an investment in Japan. Mr. Grímsson then gave a toast and spoke about the importance of Japan’s role in the Arctic and the strengthening of relations between Japan and Iceland.
In addition to the embassy booth, companies such as Toyota, Suzuki, Nordic Wasabi Ísland, and iFarm, which is trying to grow strawberries in a plant factory, promoted their products at the event, while dishes made from Japanese scallops, sushi made with Japanese rice and Sake were served.