In celebration of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan’s 65th birthday, the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia hosted a National Day Reception, honouring the enduring ties between Malaysia and Japan.
The event offered a preview into Japan’s rich culture and innovation, showcasing Japanese products, craftsmanship, and services. Guests were also welcomed with an exquisite selection of the nation’s finest culinary offerings and beverages, from Japanese Wagyu Kushi to premium sakes from various regions of Japan, including those from Tottori Prefecture, the hometown of Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. “I hope that this occasion will become another reaffirmation for confirming or reconfirming the friendship between Japan and Malaysia,” said His Excellency Ambassador Noriyuki Shikata.
Ambassador Shikata took the stage to share several key updates, including developments in tourism and travel. He expressed delight over the remarkable surge in the number of Malaysian visitors to Japan, noting a nearly sevenfold increase—from 74,000 to 507,000—over the past three years.
This year on 13 April, Japan will host the Osaka-Kansai Expo, set to take place on Yumeshima Island, Osaka, for six months. Themed ‘Designing Future Societies for Our Lives’, the Expo will gather more than 160 countries and organisations to provide a glimpse into the future through their latest advancements in technology. “We believe that this Expo will provide futuristic opportunities for tackling many common challenges facing our international society today,” said Ambassador Shikata. He further extended his deep appreciation for Malaysia’s support, stating, “We are very grateful to the Malaysian government for its very proactive and creative participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo, showcasing Malaysia’s attractive vision such as sustainability and harmony under diversity to the world.”
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Looking ahead, Ambassador Shikata shared his hopes for more Malaysians to experience beyond Japan’s well-trodden tourist hubs. “We wish to see more and more Malaysian visitors coming to Japan—not only to Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Tokyo, but also to other wonderful regions across Japan.”
