The Japanese Embassy celebrated its National Day on the occasion of the 78th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on Thursday 01 December 2011 at the Hilton Addis. Photographs depicting the Emperor and Empress visiting the tsunami hit areas soon after 3.11, as well as pictures of the activities of Mitsubishi-Ethiopia in Ethiopia were viewed by the guests.

Speaking on the occasion, through a video message, the Japanese Ambassador H.E. Mr. Hiroyuki Kishino explained that he was in Tokyo to receive Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ato Hailemariam Desalegn, who was at the start of his official visit to Japan. Continuing his message, the Ambassador expressed his sincere appreciation to the Ethiopian Government and people, and the African Union for their support and solidarity following the 3.11 earthquake and tsunami.

“When I look back on 2011, I find this was a very difficult, heart-breaking year for Japan”, Ambassador Kishino said, remembering the agony of 3.11.  His Excellency also talked about the signs of hope in the strenuous efforts of rehabilitation and reconstruction of the tsunami hit areas, as well as the challenges of the nuclear disaster in Fukushima.

“I am confident that our efforts will prevail and Japan will revive once again as a new disaster-resilient economic and social model on the global scene”, Ambassador Kishino stressed.

Concerning the Japan-Africa and Japan-Ethiopia relations, His Excellency underlined that despite immediate difficulties, Japan recognizes the importance of partnership and remains committed to African and Ethiopian development, adding that preparations for hosting the upcoming Fifth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD V), which will take place in Japan in 2013, are well underway.

This year also marks the 51st anniversary of the official visit to Ethiopia of the then Crown Prince and Princess, now the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

Urban Development and Construction State Minister H.E. Ato Hailemeskel Tefera, the Prime Minister’s Legal Advisor, H.E. Dr. Fasil Nahom, MPs of the Ethio-Japan Friendship Group, opposition party leaders, renowned business people, members of the diplomatic corps and others took part in the celebration.