Photo credit: Janet Donovan
First of all, we’d like to thank the Japanese Government for celebrating the birthday of His Majesty The Emperor of Japan in Washington, DC – a distinguished occasion to engage with friends of Japan and simultaneously indulge our Sushi fixation.
This year, prior to an elegant celebratory reception hosted by Ambassador and Mrs. Kenichiro Sasae at their residence, they held a ceremony to award the Foreign Minister’s Commendations. In celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the End of the War, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) awarded the Foreign Minister’s Commendation to 28 individuals and 14 groups across the United States in recognition of their outstanding achievements in promoting the friendship between Japan and the United States. During the award ceremony, Ambassador Sasae handed the certificates of the commendations to groups and individuals based in Washington DC area. Other recipients received their certificates from the Consul Generals of Japan in their respective cities.
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Embassy of Japan
While the groups and individuals are too long to recognize, we particularly enjoyed that presented to Mrs. Sachiko Furlan, the Ikebana teacher who made all the flower arrangements for the Emperor’s Birthday reception and is well known for her artistic arrangements for the large events at the Embassy. Ms. Furlan “promoted understanding of Japanese culture through Ikebana as the president of the Washington, DC Chapter of Ikebana International, and deepened the bilateral friendship of Japan and the United States at the grassroots level. She has also contributed to the promotion of cultural activities at the Embassy of Japan through her donation of Ikebana to various events held at the Ambassador’s residence.”
Amb. Sasae with Ms. Sachiko Furlan Photo credit: Courtesy of the Embassy of Japan
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Embassy of Japan
A brief history: The Emperor of Japan is the head of the Imperial Family and is the ceremonial head of state of Japan’s system of constitutional monarchy. According to the 1947 constitution, he is “the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people. Currently, the Emperor of Japan is the only remaining monarch in the world reigning under the title of ‘Emperor.’ The Imperial House of Japan is the oldest continuing hereditary monarchy in the world. Akihito is the reigning Emperor of Japan, the 125th Emperor of his line according to Japan’s traditional order of succession. He acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne on 7 January 1989. The Emperor’s birthday is a national holiday.” Wikipedia
Ambassador and Mrs. Sasae with Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura
Friends of Japan:
Ann Hand and T.H. Lloyd Hand
The cuisine:
