CEJE takes part in celebrating Japan’s National Holiday at the residence of the Consul.

On 4 December, Japan’s National Holiday was celebrated at the residence of the Consul General where 400 people from all media organisations, the consular corps and the Japanese community participated. Chairman Jorge Lasheras was in attendance on behalf of the Japan-Spain Business Circle (CEJE).

After the national anthem was played, Consul General Naohito Watanabe spoke about the Birthday of the Emperor, who turns 85. In February the 30th anniversary of the reign of the “Heisei” era will be celebrated. The Emperor will abdicate his throne in favour of his son, Crown Prince Naruhito, on 30 April 2019. The crown prince will take the throne on 1 May, and the enthronement celebration will be held on 22 October 2019.

He also spoke about the political and economic situation in Japan and mentioned that we are at a historic juncture of mutual rapprochement through the 150th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, the EPA, the Japanese boom, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the 2015 Universal Expo in Osaka.

Then, famous chef Carme Ruscalleda, Jorge Lasheras, Kiyonori Kasuya, Vice-President of SUIYOKAI and Naohito Watanabe, Consul General of Japan, broke the barrel of sake, or “kagamiwari”, and celebrated the Emperor’s Birthday.