2026 His Majesty the Emperor’s Birthday Reception

On February 5, 2026, the Embassy Residence hosted the Reception to Celebrate the Emperor’s Birthday for the fiscal year 2025.
 
The reception was attended by many distinguished guests from various sectors, including His Excellency President Gokhool, Vice President Hungley, Deputy Prime Minister Berenger, Foreign Minister Ramful, cabinet ministers, members of the National Assembly, ambassadors from various countries, and representatives from the business community.
 
In his speech, Ambassador Kan expressed heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty the Emperor on his 66th birthday. He noted that His Majesty, together with Her Majesty the Empress, dedicates himself daily to the nation and its people, sharing in their joys and sorrows.
 
Ambassador Kan reflected that the past year was a remarkable one for bilateral relations between Japan and Mauritius.
 
Firstly, regarding the deepening of economic cooperation, he spoke of Prime Minister Ramgoolam’s participation in TICAD9 held in Yokohama in August 2025 and the bilateral summit meeting, the opening of the Mauritius Embassy in Tokyo, and Foreign Minister Ramful’s attendance at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, all of which further strengthened bilateral ties.
 
He emphasized that Japan has promoted economic cooperation particularly in maritime security, disaster prevention, and health and welfare, implemented technical cooperation through JICA focusing on the blue economy and knowledge sharing, continued grassroots support for vulnerable groups, and contributed through the private sector in areas such as environmental protection.
 
Secondly, in the fields of culture, science, and education, he introduced the success of the Mauritius Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, and noted that events such as “Five Senses Japan” and the Japanese Film Festival have further deepened exchanges between the peoples of the two countries. He expressed the intention to continue dedicating efforts to these events.
 
Thirdly, regarding science and peace, he praised Japanese researchers for receiving the Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine and the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, highlighting Japan’s contribution to global scientific research. He also recalled that in 2024, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and that the Japanese peace song “Kojo no Tsuki” was performed at the award ceremony in Oslo, Norway.
 
Ambassador Kan reaffirmed Japan’s strong aspiration, as the only country to have suffered atomic bombings, to realize a world without nuclear weapons, and stressed Japan’s historical mission to work towards this goal.
 
Regarding Japan-Mauritius relations, he emphasized the strong bonds of trust and friendship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1968. Taking into account the Mauritian government’s ongoing formulation of “Vision 2050,” which aims for sustainable and inclusive growth, achievement of high-income country status, and development of the blue economy, he stated Japan’s commitment to contribute to this vision through technical cooperation, grassroots support, and academic and cultural exchange, and expressed determination to further advance bilateral relations. (Full text of Ambassador Kan’s speech)
 
Following the speech, Ambassador Kan gave an unaccompanied solo performance of “Kojo no Tsuki,” symbolizing the desire for peace. 
 
At the venue, a sushi demonstration was performed by Chef Yoshimura from the diplomatic mission, along with tastings of matcha, Japanese sake, and Japanese whisky. Videos introducing Japanese culture and tourist attractions, a slideshow on Embassy activities, and exhibitions of Japanese cultural items such as ikebana, furoshiki, and hina dolls were presented. Additionally, activities of Japanese-affiliated companies were introduced.
 
The reception concluded successfully, serving as a valuable opportunity to further deepen the friendship between the two countries. We look forward to continued deepening of friendship and cooperation based on shared values and mutual trust between Japan and Mauritius.