Kathmandu – The Embassy of Japan in Nepal hosted a National Day Reception on Tuesday to mark the 65th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.
Ambassador Maeda Toru welcomed approximately 350 distinguished guests to his residence for the celebration.
Among the attendees were Nepal’s Vice President, Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, who graced the event as the Chief Guest, along with other prominent figures including Prakash Man Singh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development; Teju Lal Chaudhary, Minister for Youth and Sports; Bimala Ghimire, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly; and Indira Rana, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Former prime ministers, ministers, federal parliament members, ambassadors, and officials from international organizations in Nepal also participated in the event.
In his address, Ambassador Maeda highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between Japan and Nepal, tracing their history back to the 19th century. He acknowledged key moments such as the visit of His Majesty the Emperor to Nepal in 1987 and over five decades of development cooperation between the two nations. The Ambassador also emphasized the upcoming 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026 as an opportunity to deepen the friendship between the two countries.
The evening featured a taste of Japanese culture, with guests enjoying traditional sake, wine, and Japanese cuisine. Stalls supported by Japanese restaurants and companies in Kathmandu further enriched the culinary experience.
“People-to-people exchanges have always been the foundation of our strong bilateral relations,” Ambassador Maeda noted. The event underscored the enduring relationship between Japan and Nepal, reinforcing mutual cooperation and cultural exchange.