Mon | Dec 15, 2025

Celebrating the emperor's 80th

Published:Sunday | December 15, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Pause
Miwako Sugawara playing the Japanese national anthem on the shinobue (the traditional Japanese bamboo flute).
Jonathan Greenland takes a sip of his Japanese tea seated beside Venezuelan Ambassador Maria Mendoxa (centre) and French Ambassador Ginette de Matha.
1
2

Jody-Anne Lawrence, Gleaner Writer

It was a momentous celebration as the Japanese ambassador to Jamaica, Yasuo Takase, celebrated his country's National Day commemorating the 80th birthday of Japanese Emperor Akihito.

The event showcased the Japanese culture - from appetisers to entertainment. They had on display their traditional tea ceremony in several sessions so that all their specially invited guests could take part in the experience.

Professor of Uransenke Tea School and tea master Yoshion Higurashu (or Sounou, which is her tea master name) sat before the group and meticulously performed the intricate ceremony. Dressed in traditional Japanese garb, she performed every step with grace and precision. You could not help but be captivated and awed.

When it was time for the Japanese national anthem, Miwako Sugawara took her shinobue (Japanese flute) and played, while the Japanese nationals present and the ambassador sang along with pride.

With a sparkle in her eye, Cherine Anderson proudly sung Jamaica's national anthem.

JAMAICA-JAPAN RELATIONSHIP

In his short address, Ambassador Takase spoke of the recent developments in his country and its relationship with Jamaica. He highlighted some of the programmes in which his country has supported Jamaica.

"Currently, 17 Japanese volunteers of JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) are working alongside their Jamaican counterparts at public-sector organisations in Jamaica," explained Takase.

The ambassador then extended an invitation for all to participate in the series of events that are planned for 2014 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Japan.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade A.J. Nicholson congratulated the emperor's milestone, and thanked the Japanese people. He compared the relationship between Jamaica and Japan to the chrysanthemum, which is the imperial seal of Japan, explaining that the relationship grows through continued care, which both countries are doing their best to maintain.

He closed with a toast to Japan and their emperor for the meaningful and memorable relationship over the past 50 years and for years to come.