Reception to Celebrate the Emperor’s Birthday in 2026 (13 February 2026)
2026/2/13
On 13 February, the Japanese Ambassador to India, Mr. Keiichi Ono, hosted this year's Emperor's Birthday Celebration Reception at the Ambassador's residence in Delhi where the Honourable Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, Mr. Kiren Rijiju, attended as the chief guest.
The reception was attended by approximately 800 guests, including members of parliament; Indian public and private sector officials; ambassadors and diplomats from various countries; officials and Japanese residents in India. The celebrations commenced with the the national anthems of Japan and India, followed by remarks delivered by Ambassador Ono and the chief guest.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ono, speaking partly in Hindi, celebrated the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor and expressed his wishes for His Majesty’s continued good health, happiness, and longevity. He also underscored the deepening cooperation under the “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” between Japan and India. Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan and recent summit meeting, he welcomed the expansion of economic and people-to-people exchanges, as well as growing cooperation at the local level. He further highlighted Japan’s contributions to India’s development through business activities and investment and expressed his expectations for further strengthening of bilateral relations.
In response, Minister Rijiju emphasised that Japan–India relations are rooted in historical and civilisational ties, including the shared spiritual heritage of Buddhism. He noted that the two countries, as leading democracies and major economies, are deepening cooperation based on shared values and a common strategic outlook and underscored the importance of closer coordination toward shared strategic goals in the current global situation.
After the remarks, guests enjoyed a violin and koto collaboration performance by Mr. Asonuma and Ms. Shimizu as well as videos showcasing Japan–India exchanges over the past year, tourism videos produced by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), and promotional videos by Japanese local governments. Guests relished Japanese food and sake while discussing the friendship between Japan and India.
The reception was attended by approximately 800 guests, including members of parliament; Indian public and private sector officials; ambassadors and diplomats from various countries; officials and Japanese residents in India. The celebrations commenced with the the national anthems of Japan and India, followed by remarks delivered by Ambassador Ono and the chief guest.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ono, speaking partly in Hindi, celebrated the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor and expressed his wishes for His Majesty’s continued good health, happiness, and longevity. He also underscored the deepening cooperation under the “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” between Japan and India. Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Japan and recent summit meeting, he welcomed the expansion of economic and people-to-people exchanges, as well as growing cooperation at the local level. He further highlighted Japan’s contributions to India’s development through business activities and investment and expressed his expectations for further strengthening of bilateral relations.
In response, Minister Rijiju emphasised that Japan–India relations are rooted in historical and civilisational ties, including the shared spiritual heritage of Buddhism. He noted that the two countries, as leading democracies and major economies, are deepening cooperation based on shared values and a common strategic outlook and underscored the importance of closer coordination toward shared strategic goals in the current global situation.
After the remarks, guests enjoyed a violin and koto collaboration performance by Mr. Asonuma and Ms. Shimizu as well as videos showcasing Japan–India exchanges over the past year, tourism videos produced by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), and promotional videos by Japanese local governments. Guests relished Japanese food and sake while discussing the friendship between Japan and India.
Exhibitions by Japanese Local Governments and Japanese Seafood
Ambassador Ono guided the chief guest and distinguished guests through the exhibition booths. Local governments from Niigata prefecture, Hokota City (Ibaraki Prefecture), and Kitakyushu City (Fukuoka Prefecture) showcased their regional products, while JETRO Nara presented Japanese Small and Medium-sized Enterprises not yet operating in India. At the seafood booth, guests enjoyed tuna nigiri sushi and yellowtail pressed sushi. A live Nishikigoi display and study-abroad information booths by Japanese universities also attracted strong interest. A sake cocktail booth was also featured and well received by guests.
Tea offering by the Embassy of Japan at Azumaya area
Ambassador Ono invited the chief guest and distinguished guests to the Azumaya area, where he personally prepared and offered matcha along with Japanese sweets. This was followed by a tea offering by the Embassy’s Way of Tea club, conveying the spirit of Japanese hospitality.
Exhibition Booths by 32 Companies and Organisations
At the reception, companies and organisations active in or considering entry into the Indian market exhibited their products and services. Many guests enjoyed Japanese sake, snacks, and photo opportunities.
(List of participating companies and organisations’ logos)
(List of participating companies and organisations’ logos)