Emperor’s Birthday Celebration
2026/3/2
Opening remarks from Consul General Otsuki
Remarks from Lt. Gov. Kounalakis and Chief of Protocol Penny Coulter
On Thursday, February 26th, Consul General Kotaro Otsuki held a reception to celebrate the 66th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor. The reception welcomed distinguished guests from various fields, including elected officials from the State of California, the City of San Francisco, and other regions.
The ceremony began with the national anthems of Japan and the United States, followed by a greeting from Consul General Otsuki. In his remarks, he highlighted that under Prime Minister Takaichi, the Japan-U.S. alliance continues to be the foundation of Japan’s diplomacy and security. He also emphasized California’s role as a vital bridge ensuring strong Japan-U.S. relations across political, economic, and people-to-people exchanges.
Following the Consul General, California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis delivered a speech acknowledging the strong relationship between Japan and California. After a kagami-biraki (ceremonial sake barrel opening) performed by Consul General Otsuki and the guest representatives, Penny Coulter, Chief Protocol Officer of the City of San Francisco, proposed a toast.
The reception featured food and drink from Japanese local governments such as Oita and Miyagi Prefectures. Booths serving dishes prepared by Chef Munetaka Igawa from the Consul General’s residence, as well as tasting booths from various manufacturers, were well received. Additionally, ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) displays by the Ohara School allowed attendees to appreciate theJapanese traditional beauty.
Many guests enjoyed this special gathering, celebrating both the Emperor’s birthday and the wonderful relationship between Japan and California in a warm and convivial atmosphere.
Please see the list of supporting companies for 2026 Emperor's Birthday Reception below.
2026 Emperor's Birthday Reception Supporting Companies
The ceremony began with the national anthems of Japan and the United States, followed by a greeting from Consul General Otsuki. In his remarks, he highlighted that under Prime Minister Takaichi, the Japan-U.S. alliance continues to be the foundation of Japan’s diplomacy and security. He also emphasized California’s role as a vital bridge ensuring strong Japan-U.S. relations across political, economic, and people-to-people exchanges.
Following the Consul General, California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis delivered a speech acknowledging the strong relationship between Japan and California. After a kagami-biraki (ceremonial sake barrel opening) performed by Consul General Otsuki and the guest representatives, Penny Coulter, Chief Protocol Officer of the City of San Francisco, proposed a toast.
The reception featured food and drink from Japanese local governments such as Oita and Miyagi Prefectures. Booths serving dishes prepared by Chef Munetaka Igawa from the Consul General’s residence, as well as tasting booths from various manufacturers, were well received. Additionally, ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) displays by the Ohara School allowed attendees to appreciate theJapanese traditional beauty.
Many guests enjoyed this special gathering, celebrating both the Emperor’s birthday and the wonderful relationship between Japan and California in a warm and convivial atmosphere.
Please see the list of supporting companies for 2026 Emperor's Birthday Reception below.
2026 Emperor's Birthday Reception Supporting Companies
Kagami-biraki (ceremonial sake barrel opening)
Chief of Protocol Penny Coulter leading the toast
Consul General Otsuki and SF Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman
Consul General Otsuki with Daly City Mayor Glenn R. Sylvester
Consul General Otsuki with guests
Ohara School Ikebana Display
Oita Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture Sake Booths
Japanese Sake and food booths
