Salahuddin Haider
YES it was indeed royal reception in character, hosted by the Japanese consul general Toshikazu Isumora at a local hotel and he did it in a very impressive say to mark the 60th Birthdy of Emperor Naruhito. Japan like many other countries, is perfect democracy, has a grand parliament called Diet, a prime minister, but the Emperor is indeed a symbol of country’s integrity, unity and sustained progress and welfare of the masses.
The event was attended by large number of guests including government officials, politicians, diplomats, businessmen and dignitaries from different walks of life. Proceedings began with heartfelt rendition of national anthems of Japan and Pakistan by no less a person that the deputy consul general Ashida Katsunori, who was dressed in traditional Japanese dress, and is master drummer and singer. The rein of His Majesty Naruhito officially began last year when he succeeded his father Akihito , marking an end to the three decades of long Heisei Bra.
Hence it was the first national day under the new “Reiwa” era. :Reiwa means beautiful harmony and the name was taken from the oldest existing poetry anthology “ manyoshu” aas it represents a culture being born and nurtured by peoples’ hearts brought together in a mesmerizing manner.
This year’s reception also signifies the leading-up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics , mascots caught the attention of everyone and brought and air of games’ excitement to the audience. Speaking in Urdu on the occasion, the consul general expressed his delight in hosting the first reception of “Reiwa” era. He also remarked about the improved security situation in Pakistan, generating Japanese investment opportunities in the country.
He said he was surprised that there were around 23 different cultural organisations in Karachi ,including pop-culture groups , striving to promote Japnese culture. The head of Japanese diplomatic mission in the port city invited Pakistanis to visit Japan for Olympics and Paralympics.
His speech was followed by remarks from Sadia Rashid, president of Pak-Japan cultural association and Mr Kaim Farooqui, vice chairman Pakistan-Japan Business Forum, which felicitated Japanese people on the Emperor’s birthday and woved continued efforts for better economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
Prominent among the guests were consuls general of Germany, Bangla Desh, Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Oman, editor in chief of Pakistan Observer Faial Zahid Malik, the President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and many more,. It was really remarkable evening.
