Headlines
2019/1/16
New Year reception to strengthen the relationship between Japan and the EU
On 16 January 2019, the Mission of Japan to the EU hosted a New Year reception to strengthen the relationship between Japan and the EU. Guests included officials from the EU institutions and the diplomatic corps in Brussels, as well as guests from Japanese companies.
At the beginning of the evening, Ambassador Kodama gave a speech during which he touched upon the future relationship between Japan and the EU, as well as Brexit. He also expressed his best wishes for the New Year. Following his speech, Ms. Aki Sato played the koto (Japanese harp). Afterwards, H.E. Mr. Tzantchev, Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the EU, and Mr. Oimatsu, the President of Nihonjinkai and Managing Director, Head of Belgium, Brussels Brunch MUFG Bank (Europe), joined Ambassador Kodama for “Kagami-biraki” (Japanese sake barrel opening ceremony). At the reception, guests enjoyed traditional Japanese New Year cuisine and sake.
At the beginning of the evening, Ambassador Kodama gave a speech during which he touched upon the future relationship between Japan and the EU, as well as Brexit. He also expressed his best wishes for the New Year. Following his speech, Ms. Aki Sato played the koto (Japanese harp). Afterwards, H.E. Mr. Tzantchev, Permanent Representative of Bulgaria to the EU, and Mr. Oimatsu, the President of Nihonjinkai and Managing Director, Head of Belgium, Brussels Brunch MUFG Bank (Europe), joined Ambassador Kodama for “Kagami-biraki” (Japanese sake barrel opening ceremony). At the reception, guests enjoyed traditional Japanese New Year cuisine and sake.