Emperor’s Birthday Celebration
2025/3/12
On Thursday, February 27, Consul General Yo Osumi and his wife Misao held a reception to celebrate the 65th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor. The reception was attended by nearly 500 people from various fields, including elected officials from the State of California, the City and County of San Francisco, and other local governments. Special guests included California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, State Senator Dave Cortese (co-chair of the California-Japan Legislative Forum), Commissioner Steve Nakajo from the San Francisco Fire Department, Gomi Kazuhiro (President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California), San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, San Francisco Chief of Protocol Penny Coulter, and others.
The evening began with koto performances of the national anthems of Japan and the United States, followed by opening remarks from Consul General Osumi in which he introduced the Emperor and the Imperial Family’s New Year’s poetry reading. Consul General Osumi also noted the deep relationship between Japan and California, which has been furthered by the contributions of Japanese companies to the California economy as well as the California-Japan Legislative Forum, established last June. He highlighted the positive impact of people-to-people exchanges like those of sister city relationships, the JET program, and achievements of the Japanese American community before stressing the importance of strengthening Japanese language programs in California. Finally, he thanked all of the guests and organizations who supported the reception and finished by wishing His Majesty the Emperor a happy birthday.
The reception featured tasting booths from Chef Munetaka Igawa from the Official Residence, Japanese beverage companies and Japanese makers of California wine, as well as booths from Japanese economic and tourism organizations. There were also beautiful ikebana arrangements by Ikenobo, Ohara, and Sogetsu schools, and a mochi-pounding demonstration by Kagami-kai. Guests were delighted by a visit from Myaku-Myaku, the official mascot of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, who came to promote the international event, which opens on April 13.
It was indeed a special occasion to celebrate His Majesty the Emperor's Birthday and the great relationship between Japan and California.
Greeting by Consul General Osumi
Congratulatory remarks by dignitaries
Kagami-biraki and toast
Ikebana arrangements
Performance of the American and Japanese national anthems on the koto
Mochi Pounding
California wine booth by Japanese wine maker
Guests enjoying the reception
Consul General and Ms. Osumi with guests
The evening began with koto performances of the national anthems of Japan and the United States, followed by opening remarks from Consul General Osumi in which he introduced the Emperor and the Imperial Family’s New Year’s poetry reading. Consul General Osumi also noted the deep relationship between Japan and California, which has been furthered by the contributions of Japanese companies to the California economy as well as the California-Japan Legislative Forum, established last June. He highlighted the positive impact of people-to-people exchanges like those of sister city relationships, the JET program, and achievements of the Japanese American community before stressing the importance of strengthening Japanese language programs in California. Finally, he thanked all of the guests and organizations who supported the reception and finished by wishing His Majesty the Emperor a happy birthday.
The reception featured tasting booths from Chef Munetaka Igawa from the Official Residence, Japanese beverage companies and Japanese makers of California wine, as well as booths from Japanese economic and tourism organizations. There were also beautiful ikebana arrangements by Ikenobo, Ohara, and Sogetsu schools, and a mochi-pounding demonstration by Kagami-kai. Guests were delighted by a visit from Myaku-Myaku, the official mascot of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, who came to promote the international event, which opens on April 13.
It was indeed a special occasion to celebrate His Majesty the Emperor's Birthday and the great relationship between Japan and California.
Greeting by Consul General Osumi Congratulatory remarks by dignitaries Kagami-biraki and toast Ikebana arrangements Performance of the American and Japanese national anthems on the koto Mochi Pounding California wine booth by Japanese wine maker Guests enjoying the reception Consul General and Ms. Osumi with guests
Booth by JETRO San Franciso
Booth by JNTO and Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai
Sake tasting booth
Shochu tasting booth
