Emperor's Birthday Reception 2026

On 26 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 approximately 300 guests, including senior British Government officials such as The Rt Hon The Lord Reed of Allermuir, President of the Supreme Court, The Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC, Attorney General, and Mr Chris Elmore MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Multilateral, Human Rights, Latin America and the Caribbean), Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); Royal Household officials; 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 the Coldstream Guards Band, followed by an address from Ambassador Suzuki. In his speech, Ambassador Suzuki first extended his congratulations to His Majesty the Emperor on the occasion of His Majesty’s 66th birthday. He stated that the Japan-UK partnership was underpinned by the warm friendship between the Japanese Imperial Family and the British Royal Family, and that it was a global partnership based on common strategic interests and fundamental values: freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
 
Ambassador Suzuki also touched upon the outcomes of the Japan-UK summit meeting between Prime Minister Takaichi and Prime Minister Starmer, which took place during Prime Minister Starmer's visit to Japan a month ago.
 
He also highlighted (1) the deepening defence cooperation symbolised by GCAP, and the strengthening collaboration in cyber security within the security domain and (2) the deepening economic partnership through the CPTPP and expanding cooperation in economic security within the economic domain.
 
Ambassador Suzuki then introduced this year’s upcoming Japan-related cultural events, exhibitions, sporting events and the Sakura Cherry Tree Project.
 
Following this, Lord Reed delivered a congratulatory address, emphasising the shared values and deepening cooperation between Japan and the UK. He also touched upon the warm bonds between the Imperial Family of Japan and the British Royal Family, celebrating the continued development of Japan-UK friendship. Lord Hermer then proposed a toast, highlighting the unprecedented importance of Japan-UK relations and celebrating the growing prosperity of both nations.
 
With the cooperation of numerous Japanese companies, local authorities and related organisations, several booths were set up, offering products from various companies and regions of Japan, alongside displays of bonsai. Furthermore, with a view to further promoting exports of Japanese produce from Japan to the UK, items showcasing the diverse appeal of Japanese cuisine such as wagyu beef, Japanese fruit, sushi, Japanese sake and other alcoholic beverages were served to the guests.
 
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.