Emperor’s Birthday Celebration
2026/3/4
Photo: Eyþór Árnason
On February 26, Ambassador Takewaka hosted a reception to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor. The renowned male choir Gamlir Fóstbræður performed the national anthems of both countries at the opening of the event, and a total of 114 guests attended, including Minister of Infrastructure Eyjólfur Ármannsson.
Following the screening of a video produced by the Embassy to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Iceland, Ambassador Takewaka delivered a speech. He highlighted the deepening of the excellent bilateral relations between Japan and Iceland, recent high‑level exchanges and developments in cooperation, as well as the dynamism of the Japanese economy and collaboration between the two countries, including at the Osaka–Kansai Expo. He also expressed his strong hope for further progress in friendship and cooperation. Afterwards, Deputy Permanent Secretary of State and Arctic Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Bergdís Ellertsdóttir offered a toast, speaking about the importance of Japan’s role in the Arctic and the strengthening of Japan–Iceland relations.
At the venue, companies such as Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten—famous for its sake brand “Zaku”—Japan Airlines, Toyota, Suzuki, Nordic Wasabi, and iFarm, which cultivates strawberries in Iceland, hosted booths. Guests were also treated to sushi made with Japanese rice.
Following the screening of a video produced by the Embassy to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Iceland, Ambassador Takewaka delivered a speech. He highlighted the deepening of the excellent bilateral relations between Japan and Iceland, recent high‑level exchanges and developments in cooperation, as well as the dynamism of the Japanese economy and collaboration between the two countries, including at the Osaka–Kansai Expo. He also expressed his strong hope for further progress in friendship and cooperation. Afterwards, Deputy Permanent Secretary of State and Arctic Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Bergdís Ellertsdóttir offered a toast, speaking about the importance of Japan’s role in the Arctic and the strengthening of Japan–Iceland relations.
At the venue, companies such as Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten—famous for its sake brand “Zaku”—Japan Airlines, Toyota, Suzuki, Nordic Wasabi, and iFarm, which cultivates strawberries in Iceland, hosted booths. Guests were also treated to sushi made with Japanese rice.