Embassy of Japan hosts the Emperor’s Birthday Reception
2026/3/13
On February 24, Ambassador Kagomiya hosted the Emperor’s Birthday Reception at his residence. The reception was attended by Vice President Palik, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Cantero, Governor Joseph of Pohnpei State, the diplomatic corps, along with many national and state government officials and officials from international organizations.
At the outset, Ambassador Kagomiya celebrated the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor, who turned 66 years old on February 23. Having emphasized the close historical ties and friendly relations between Japan and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), which share common values such as freedom, the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and peace, the Ambassador expressed his desire to strengthen the friendship between the two countries furthermore. The Ambassador also described developments in the bilateral relations between Japan and the FSM that have taken place over the past year, including various ODA projects such as Pohnpei Port Expansion Project, East Micronesia Cable Project (Joint project with the United States and Australia), Emergency Assistance in Response to the Oil Leak in Chuuk Lagoon, Maternal Healthcare Services Strengthening Project (Implementation by UNFPA), and Improving Safe Water Supply Project (Implementation by IOM and UNICEF), activities by Japan Mine Action Service (JMAS) and JICA volunteers, and various delegation visits between the two countries.
On behalf of the FSM government, Vice President Palik wished the Emperor a happy birthday and expressed his desire to further strengthen ties with Japan under the “Kizuna (bond)” between the two countries.
Japanese cuisine prepared by Chef Hara was provided along with Japanese alcoholic beverages at the reception. Displays of hina-kazari (hinamatsuri decorations) and ikebana (flower arrangements) were also showcased at the venue.
At the outset, Ambassador Kagomiya celebrated the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor, who turned 66 years old on February 23. Having emphasized the close historical ties and friendly relations between Japan and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), which share common values such as freedom, the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and peace, the Ambassador expressed his desire to strengthen the friendship between the two countries furthermore. The Ambassador also described developments in the bilateral relations between Japan and the FSM that have taken place over the past year, including various ODA projects such as Pohnpei Port Expansion Project, East Micronesia Cable Project (Joint project with the United States and Australia), Emergency Assistance in Response to the Oil Leak in Chuuk Lagoon, Maternal Healthcare Services Strengthening Project (Implementation by UNFPA), and Improving Safe Water Supply Project (Implementation by IOM and UNICEF), activities by Japan Mine Action Service (JMAS) and JICA volunteers, and various delegation visits between the two countries.
On behalf of the FSM government, Vice President Palik wished the Emperor a happy birthday and expressed his desire to further strengthen ties with Japan under the “Kizuna (bond)” between the two countries.
Japanese cuisine prepared by Chef Hara was provided along with Japanese alcoholic beverages at the reception. Displays of hina-kazari (hinamatsuri decorations) and ikebana (flower arrangements) were also showcased at the venue.
Ambassador Kagomiya delivering remarks
Vice President Palik delivering remarks
National Anthem of Japan performed by Ms. Ayuka Komatsu, JICA Volunteer
National Anthem of the FSM performed by Ms. Kaia Akinaga-Nanpei
VIP Table
Participants at the Reception
Attendees enjoying the Japanese cuisine buffet
Hina-kazari (Hinamatsuri decorations) and ikebana (flower arrangements) displays at the venue