Emperor's Birthday Reception 2025

On 27 February, Ambassador and Madame Suzuki hosted a reception at the Embassy of Japan in the UK on the occasion of His Majesty the Emperor's Birthday.

The event was attended by about 300 guests, including senior British Government officials such as Ms Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Indo-Pacific) , Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)　and Lord Coaker, Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence; Royal Household officials, including The Right Honourable The Lord Benyon GCVO, Lord Chamberlain of the Household; various Members of Parliament; judicial experts; military officers; Ambassadors and High Commissioners of the diplomatic corps; and members of Japan-UK exchange-related organisations as well as individuals involved in academia, culture, sports, media, and business.

The reception commenced with a rendition of the national anthems of Japan and the UK, performed by pianist Rieko Makita, the Royal College of Music, followed by an address from Ambassador Suzuki. In his speech, the Ambassador first extended his congratulations to His Majesty the Emperor on the occasion of His Majesty’s 65th birthday, and again expressed his gratitude to the Royal Household, the FCDO, and all those involved in making the State Visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress to the United Kingdom last June an enormous success. The Ambassador noted that the great success of Their Majesties' visit to the UK was symbolic of the ties between our two countries and made a commitment that, as the Ambassador of Japan, he would strive to make this wonderful partnership yet more robust in all areas, including politics, the economy and culture.

Ambassador Suzuki also highlighted the fact that, since he had arrived in London, progress had already been made in numerous areas in forms of a series of high-level exchanges between the two governments, including the Japan-UK Prime Minister’s Meeting in November and the UK’s accession to the CPTPP in December as well as the extension of the period during which British youths could stay in Japan under the Working Holiday Visa Scheme. Moreover, he expressed his hope for the further strengthening of Japan-UK relations this year.

The Ambassador also referred to the cooperation between Japan and the UK in the security field, including the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and the dispatch of the Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific. In addition, he spoke about economic cooperation, illustrated by the Economic “2+2” and the promotion of business through the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and expressed his particular hope for further British investment to Japan. He outlined as well the many large-scale Japan-related cultural and sports events planned for this year, which he urged the British people to support.

Congratulatory remarks were also offered by Ms Catherine West MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Indo-Pacific), who emphasised the commonalities and depth of cooperation between Japan and the UK and expressed her hopes for the further development of the Japan-UK friendship. Additionally, a video message was displayed from Japanese sumo wrestler Hōshōryū, who is expected to take part in matches at the Grand Sumo performance in London in October 2025. Lastly, Lord Coaker, Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence, gave a toast to the future of the partnership between Japan and the UK, which is now stronger than ever.

The reception also featured booths showcasing specialities from various Japanese regions and companies, made available through the cooperation of local governments, businesses and related organisations, as well as displays of ikebana and bonsai. Food replica samples from the recent exhibition at Japan House London were displayed (along with samples of real food!) Guests enjoyed Japanese sake, wine and cuisine, availing themselves of the opportunity to savour something of what Japan has to offer.

Following the success of the Emperor's Birthday Reception, the Embassy of Japan in the UK is committed to continuing its efforts to advance Japan-UK relations this year.