Reception celebrating the birthday of his Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan (December 6th, 2018)
2018/12/14
On Thursday December 6th, Consul-General Fukushima hosted a reception at his official residence celebrating the 85th birthday of his Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan. Among the nearly 170 people in attendance were numerous political and business luminaries, along with many people involved in U.S.-Japan relations.
In his opening remarks, Consul-General Fukushima expressed his condolences on the passing of the great Texas politician former President George H.W. Bush, which just occurred prior week. The Consul-General recounted an episode when the former President played a friendly game of tennis with his Majesty the Emperor, and praised the departed statesman for his many great achievements and personality that was beloved by people throughout the world – including those in Japan. He concluded his remarks by affirming his belief that ties between Japan and the Texas-Oklahoma region will grow stronger in the future thanks to the unshakable state of the US-Japan relationship which the former President and his Majesty the Emperor fostered through their warm exchanges.
Congressman Al Green (D), who represents part of Houston in the United States House and is a member of the U.S.-Japan Caucus, also participated in this occasion. The congressman made a congratulatory speech expressing his desire to see America’s friendship with Japan grow even closer in the future, before presenting the Consul-General with his Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.
Japanese food and drink were served at the reception including sushi, ramen, and sake. There was also a “Japan Brands” exhibition booth that showcased numerous Japanese institutions active in Texas, such as JR Tokai, Texas Central Railway, JAXA (The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and Toyota Motor Company. Guests in attendance enjoyed the early winter celebration.
In his opening remarks, Consul-General Fukushima expressed his condolences on the passing of the great Texas politician former President George H.W. Bush, which just occurred prior week. The Consul-General recounted an episode when the former President played a friendly game of tennis with his Majesty the Emperor, and praised the departed statesman for his many great achievements and personality that was beloved by people throughout the world – including those in Japan. He concluded his remarks by affirming his belief that ties between Japan and the Texas-Oklahoma region will grow stronger in the future thanks to the unshakable state of the US-Japan relationship which the former President and his Majesty the Emperor fostered through their warm exchanges.
Congressman Al Green (D), who represents part of Houston in the United States House and is a member of the U.S.-Japan Caucus, also participated in this occasion. The congressman made a congratulatory speech expressing his desire to see America’s friendship with Japan grow even closer in the future, before presenting the Consul-General with his Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.
Japanese food and drink were served at the reception including sushi, ramen, and sake. There was also a “Japan Brands” exhibition booth that showcased numerous Japanese institutions active in Texas, such as JR Tokai, Texas Central Railway, JAXA (The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and Toyota Motor Company. Guests in attendance enjoyed the early winter celebration.