Japan celebrated Emperor Naruhito’s 64th birthday in grand style

24 February 2024

His Excellency Mr Ohmori Setsuo, the Ambassador of Japan in Botswana

Share this story

By Cynthia Thanda and Thelma Obakeng

How old do you think His Majesty Naruhito, the Emperor of Japan is?

The Japanese Embassy answered that question in style as it celebrated the occasion of its National Day at Avani Hotel on 22nd February 2024.

Japan is no stranger to Botswana and the deepening bilateral relations between the two countries continue to attest to the growth and mutual respect of both nations.

His Majesty Naruhito celebrates 64 years of age. He ascended the throne in 2019, beginning of the Reiwa, following the abdication of his father Emeritus Akihito, as the 126th Emperor of Japan.

This May marks the sixth anniversary since his accession to the throne. It could be said that the Japan imperial family is currently the oldest in the world. From the historical context the Emperor of that era used to have such absolute authority so much that he could even direct civil engineering works.

Today, the Emperor plays the role of a symbol of Japan and also the unity of Japanese people as defined in the Constitution of Japan. His Majesty’s duties are performed with the advice and assistance of the Cabinet hence Japan is a constitutional monarchy.

Since his accession to the throne, His Majesty has delivered keynote speeches at various fora including the United Nations Special Session on Water and Disasters and the World Water Forum. His Majesty is known for his deep knowledge in the world’s water issues.

Most Japanese people are happy with the Emperor as it is viewed as a symbol of the nation rather than someone with political authority. His Majesty is viewed as kind and respectful human being.

His Excellency Mr Ohmori Setsuo, the Ambassador of Japan in Botswana expressed his deepest gratitude to a country that has become a second home to him. Since his arrival in Botswana, he has witnessed as many as four handover ceremonies and three contract signing ceremonies of educational facilities taking place.

The Kazungula Bridge is one of the most important monumental achievements, not only under bilateral context but for regional cooperation in Southern Africa.

There are 60 Japanese living in Botswana and out of thee, more than half of them are volunteers engaged in quite unique and valuable activities in various parts of Botswana.

In October 2023, the Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteers took a lead in cleaning up Riverwalk in Gaborone. It was called a clean-up campaign to which His Excellency Ohmori Setsuo and his wife joined in.

Some of the volunteers are coaching Japan-oriented sports while others support the planning and implementation of recycling projects in municipalities and work in schools to enhance children’s awareness of the importance of recycled or renewable resources.

“Next year 2025, there will be two important events for Japan and Botswana. First one is an International Exposition to be held in the city of Osaka from April.

The other one is TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development), which is held every three years, inviting leaders from all countries in Japan and Africa. The next one will be held in Yokohama, His Excellency Ohmori Setsuo said.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Lemogang Kwape also expressed his wishes to the Emperor, his family and the people of Japan as they celebrated the special day. He acknowledged the longstanding history of friendship between Botswana and Japan, which has over the years evolved into a living partnership characterised by economic, social and cultural cooperation.

He commended Japan for its continued support to Botswana, highlighting that last year the two counties concluded negotiations on the P1.45billion loan as budget support to help Botswana overcome challenges bred by covid19.

Besides big projects such as the Kazungula bridge, Japan also supports small projects aimed at enhancing the socio-economic developments of communities in Botswana, which have improved the livelihoods of remote communities and disadvantaged populations.

Dr Kwape mentioned that other projects are underway.

The celebration was characterised by laughter and joy as people tasted the different food from both cultures. The Japanese choir which sang the national anthem beautifully had people singing along.

(C) The Pan Afrikanist

Last Posts

Delegations of Russia and South Africa led by the two countries' Foreign Ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Ronald Lamola

Russia’s FM, Sergey Lavrov discussed a range of bilateral issues with his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola

Share this story

Share this storySergey Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Russia met with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola on April 16. Lamola had arrived in Moscow for the 18th meeting of the…

24 February 2024

President Putin announces Easter ceasefire

President of Russia Vladimir Putin announces Easter ceasefire

Share this story

Share this storyDuring a meeting at the Kremlin with the Chief of the General Staff of Russia’s Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov President Vladimir Putin declared that the Russian Side is ceasing all military action starting…

24 February 2024

On April 17, 2025, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a telephone conversation

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has a phone conversation with his US counterpart, Marco Rubio

Share this story

Share this storyOn April 17, 2025, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a telephone conversation. Secretary Rubio, who is currently in Paris, informed the Russian side…

24 February 2024

In the first installment of the Two Shores Dialogue series, two journalists — Ma Jiaying from China and Héribert Adjovi from Africa — exchange insights on the pressing issues of our time: rising trade protectionism, the shifting global order, and the long-term consequences of tariff wars. Reflecting on the legacy of the Bandung Conference, they advocate for renewed solidarity among the Global South, grounded in the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. A powerful, thoughtful dialogue that bridges continents and visions.

Beyond the tariff crisis, it’s time to take a fair look at globalisation… 70 years after the Bandung Conference

Share this story

Share this story‘A LOOK FROM BOTH SIDES’ is first and foremost an interesting Dialogue between two Friends, two eminent Journalists and a crossed vision of two media professionals, one Chinese and the other African (Beninese)…

24 February 2024

South-Africas-Government-of-Natiomall-Unity-on-the-brink-of-collapse-Picture-credit-Malawi-24.

THERE’S A SENSE THAT SA’S GNU IS TEETERING ON THE EDGE COLLAPSE

Share this story

Share this storyBy ABBEY MAKOE By all accounts, South Africa’s conundrum that is the Government of National Unity (GNU) will likely fester into a debilitating wound before it gets healed anytime soon. The revelation of…

24 February 2024

The world has now become irreversibly multipolar, a reality America’s ruling elites are refusing to accept.Photo | Mandar Pardika

US-China trade war: Standing up to the playground bully

Share this story

Share this storyToday’s China is not yesterday’s Soviet Union. Nor is Trump’s America the sole superpower. Anyone trying to push back the clock of history will get hurt https://www.newindianexpress.com/author/sudheendra-kulkarni The global tariff ‘war’ unleashed by…

24 February 2024

Related Stories