Hosting of the Emperor's Birthday Reception (11th February 2025)

On 11th February, Consul General Fujiwara hosted the Emperor’s Birthday Reception at Edinburgh Academy. Over 259 people were in attendance, including Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone, Minister for Business Richard Lochhead (Scottish Government), other members of the Scottish Parliament and government officials, many local government heads such as Lord Provost of Edinburgh the Rt Hon Robert Aldridge, diplomatic members, academic, cultural, sports and media related personnel, members of active businesses and organisations, etc.

To begin, Consul General Fujiwara looked back on the Japan related social, cooperative and cultural activity in Scotland and Cumbria of Northeast England, which is also under our jurisdiction. He also talked about Scotland’s participation in the World Expo Osaka which will begin in April, visits from important people, economic cooperation and new investments by Japanese companies, and the many cultural, educational and sports related exchanges, and welcomed the deepening relationship between Scotland and Japan. In addition, Lord Provost Aldridge, Presiding Officer Johnstone, and Minister for Business Lochhead gave celebratory speeches about the relationship with Japan.

The guests were served sushi, wagashi (Japanese sweets), sake and umeshu, and were able to enjoy a valuable experience of the appeal of Japanese cuisine.