Garden Party Reception 2024 (at Ambassador’s official residence)
2024/9/20
On the evening of 11th September, Ambassador Kazutoshi AIKAWA hosted a garden party, and welcomed approximately 330 guests at the official residence. The guests who attended included officials from the European Union institutions, Representatives of EU member states, Ambassadors of other missions to the EU, delegations, experts, Japanese private companies and members of the Japanese and international press, among others.
Myaku Myaku, the official mascot of Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, also participated in the event and greeted guests to promote next year’s World Expo.
Myaku Myaku, the official mascot of Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, also participated in the event and greeted guests to promote next year’s World Expo.
At the start of the event, a talented young saxophone quartet from the Royal Conservatoires in Antwerp, Brussels and Liège performed ‘Aki Matsuri - Autumn Festival’ which was composed by Ichiro Nodaira, a Japanese leading contemporary composer.
Soprano: Yun Yeachan (Antwerp), Alto: Derek Lee (Liège)
Tenor: Kazuyuki Takada (Antwerp), Baritone: Kacper Puczko (Brussels)
Tenor: Kazuyuki Takada (Antwerp), Baritone: Kacper Puczko (Brussels)
Following the wonderful performance, Ambassador AIKAWA gave his opening remarks, stressing that regardless of the major changes expected in the international community this year, the importance of Japan-EU cooperation will remain unchanged and continue to develop furthermore as we tackle various challenges including the war in Ukraine. Ambassador AIKAWA also promoted the Osaka-Kansai Expo, in which the EU and Belgium will also participate.
The European External Action Service (EEAS) and Belexpo presented their plans and activities showcasing the upcoming participation of the EU and Belgium respectively at Osaka-Kansai Expo.
The European External Action Service (EEAS) and Belexpo presented their plans and activities showcasing the upcoming participation of the EU and Belgium respectively at Osaka-Kansai Expo.
Various Japanese food and beverages were also kindly provided by Japanese companies, such as Otafuku (Japanese savoury pancake), Mizkan (Hand roll sushi), ITO EN (Matcha), Uijin beer, Choya (Plum wine), Kikkoman (Soy sauce) and NISSIN FOOD Group (Noodles).
In anticipation of the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo, Sake from the Kansai region, included Zaku (Mie prefecture) and Shirayuki (Hyogo prefecture), was offered and visitors were able to experience the pairing of sake with local food as well as Japanese cuisine.
In anticipation of the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo, Sake from the Kansai region, included Zaku (Mie prefecture) and Shirayuki (Hyogo prefecture), was offered and visitors were able to experience the pairing of sake with local food as well as Japanese cuisine.
JNTO provided information on various sightseeing tours to Japan, and ANA and JAL participated by introducing information on flights from Europe to Japan to interested guests.
In addition, Japanese companies present in Belgium/Europe introduced some of their products and technologies, such as Daikin's air purifiers and Nitto's sealing materials.
In addition, Japanese companies present in Belgium/Europe introduced some of their products and technologies, such as Daikin's air purifiers and Nitto's sealing materials.
(End)