An emperor’s birthday celebration. It must be lavish, no less, fitting for a man of his stature. The Japanese monarch’s celebration extended across the globe. In Davao City, the Consulate General of Japan lead by Consul General Yoshiaki Miwa hosted the National Day reception to celebrate the Emperor Naruhito’s birthday. It was a well-attended affair with dignitaries, government officials, Japanese and local businessmen, the academe and the Davao Consular Corps present.
Memorabilia. The official souvenir program of the enthronement ceremony sent to Davao by the Imperial Palace of Japan
The Consul General said the occasion was extraordinary for a couple for reasons. First, it was the first National Day reception under the new Imperial era of Reiwa, meaning “Beautiful Harmony.” Second, it was the first celebration hosted by their office after it was upgraded to a full-fledged Consulate General of Japan in Davao in 2019.
Consul General of Japan in Davao Yoshiaki Miwa
In his welcome note, ConGen Miwa also shared the office’s achievements in 2019, which included the 100-year anniversary celebration of the Davao Japanese community as the highlight. It was a three-day festivity that focused on business, tourism, food and culture.
Aside from the assurance that Japan will continue to support President Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program in the Davao area, Miwa announced another uplifting news: Japanese travel advisory has categorized several more areas in Mindanao, like Digos, Tagum, Butuan, Surigao and more, as level 1, the same level as the cities of Davao, General Santos and CDO. Japanese nationals can now enjoy visiting these areas. The revised travel advisory of the Japanese ministry is essential to promote direct investment of Japanese companies and tourism.
Mayor Sara Duterte, sending her message through Councilor Antoinette Princepe-Castrodes, proposed a toast, “The beautiful harmony has lead to numerous promising engagements both in our homeland and yours. That journey cannot be truly accomplished if not for the invaluable efforts and strong determination of His Majesty, Emperor Naruhito, to sustain confidence and optimism of Japan and its relationship with the Philippines. Words cannot truly express how we in Davao City appreciate the endeavors of Japan for the progress of the Dabawenyos. The people of Davao have nothing but well wishes for his good health, lasting joy and long life.”
Councilor Antoinete Castrodes deliver Mayor Sara Duterte’s well wishes to the celebrant. To the Emperor’s good health, lasting joy and long life
A well-attended affair. Guests toast the celebrant
Guests raised their glasses and sipped sparkling sake from fluted glasses. It was one of the six varieties of wine and sake flown in from Japan for the evening’s celebration.
Wine & sake flown in from Japan for the occasion
A special event like this has to be matched with special food. Various sushi was prepared using Koshi Hikari, a special rice brought in in from the Niigita Prefecture in Japan.
Takakazu Machida serenades guests wiht a violin performance
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your continued support and cooperation in furthering the strong friendship between Japan and the Philippines,” expressed Miwa.
Consul General Yoshiaki Miwa with Davao City Councilors Bangoy, Myrna Dolado, Mabel Acosta & Antoinette Castrodes
Officials of Kitakyushu City, Japan, lead by Mr. Kondo Yasumitsu
Rodrigo Duterte II and Yssa Duterte
DFA ASec. Uriel Norman Garibay, Honorary Consul of Bangladesh Consul in Davao Joji Ilagan-Bian, European Chamber of Commerce’s Antonio Peralta & Cherylyn Casuga of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce
In attendance were Davao’s Consular Corps, business & media sectors
Kawashima Hiroyuki, Honorary Consul of Korea in Davao Edgar Ang, Honorary Consul of Spain in Davao Natividad Fortich, Jess Fortich, Ramon Bargamento & Miyake Hikaru
Guests from the Japan-Philippines Volunteer Association (JPVA) and Philippine-Japan Active Carbon Corp
The artist by her 48' x 96' Floral Twilight 1 obra At the art gallery of the Tagum Historical & Cultural Center, Caroline 'B...
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D' Durian Daily is your daily serving of anything Davao. It's still Of Apples & Lemons, only more "fragrant" & juicier, in a durian kind of way. It's either you love it or you don't.
