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Reception celebrates Japanese emperor’s 63rd birthday
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Posted on Feb 28 2023
Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, center, makes a toast in celebration of the Emperor of Japan Naruhito’s birthday last Thursday at the Fiesta Hall in the Grandvrio Resort Saipan. At right is Japan Consul to Saipan Ryogi Takagaki and at left is Japanese Consul staff James Sakamoto. (LEIGH GASES)
CNMI government officials joined the Consular Office of Japan in celebrating the 63rd birthday of Emperor Naruhito last Thursday night at the Fiesta Hall of the Grandvrio Resort Saipan.
As has become a traditional yearly event, the Consular Office of Japan on Saipan, led this year by Japanese Consul to Saipan Ryogi Takagaki, marked the special occasion with speeches and a lavish dinner buffet spread.
Takagai welcomed everyone and said that he is glad to celebrate the emperor’s birthday this year since it wasn’t celebrated last year due to COVID-19, He then said that, with the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, it has made him realize the importance of peace. “The peace and prosperity we enjoy today is built on the ultimate sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the war. Even here in CNMI, we must not forget that while some of us have never experienced the war, we did not build this peace alone and we have an obligation to tell the next generations of the importance of peace.”
He thanked Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, dignitaries and guests, officials of the federal and CNMI governments, and representatives of the business community that were present at the celebration.
Guests raise their glasses for a toast during Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang’s toast in celebration of the Emperor of Japan Naruhito’s birthday last Thursday at the Fiesta Hall in the Grandvrio Resort Saipan. (LEIGH GASES)
Tomonori Ito, mayor of Katori City in Japan, which is a sister city to Saipan, had a speech that was read by Japanese Consul staff James Sakamoto, who said that Saipan and Katori have strong ties through the Katori Jingu Shrine in the Sugar King Park.
In the celebration, there were novelty goods from Katori City handed out to guests. There were hand towels with the city emblem of Katori City and art cards depicting historical Katori City townscape.
Apatang, who thanked the Japanese Consular Office for inviting everyone to help celebrate the emperor’s birthday, recalled the times when friends from Katori City would visit Saipan before the pandemic. He then raised a toast to the Japanese emperor and said, “Kanpai everybody.”
