National Day Message
2021/3/2
National Day Message
February 24, 2021
It is my honor and pleasure to convey this special message on the occasion this year of the National Day of Japan, celebrating the birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito on February 23. His Majesty has become 61 years old this year, which is Reiwa 3 or the third year of his reign since his accession to the throne in May, 2019 to begin the imperial Reiwa Era. This year we also commemorate the official Ceremony for Proclamation of Crown Prince held in November of 2020, which proclaimed Prince Akishino as the Imperial Heir, Crown Prince.
We are disappointed that the Consulate is not able this year to host its annual National Day reception in Denver, a gathering which serves to show our appreciation for the many people and groups that make up our wonderful Japan-related community in this Rocky Mountain region. Thank you all very much for your understanding.
Under the unusual challenges of the last year, we have missed the opportunity to attend the in-person activities and various cultural events that we are so accustomed to enjoying in the Japan-related community. But I offer this message with an air of cautious optimism for the coming year.
I am inspired to convey my deep appreciation to the people and organizations in this region who have continued to contribute so much, in spite of the difficulties, toward further building the great friendship between the United States and Japan. Through innovation and resiliance, using technology for virtual events and online activities, your efforts have been successful and impressive. I am encouraged and happy to report that the state of relations between us remains strong and growing.
Last year marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of the US-Japan Security Treaty, and 75 years since the end of World War II. The alliance between our two countries today remains essential as the cornerstone of peace and security in the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, defending our shared strategic interests and values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the basic rule of law. We are confident that Prime Minister Suga and President Biden will continue to further deepen and strengthen our close relationship, as the world emerges from the current pandemic in to a new era.
In the coming year, Japan looks forward again to hosting the once-postponed Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics Games this summer. In a spirit of safety and unity it is our sincere desire to welcome the world to our country, to showcase many new realities that can be seen in modern Japan, and to help lead the way toward successful recovery and a brighter future. Positively, vaccinations for COVID started in Japan from February 17, 2021.
Locally here in the Rocky Mountain region, our relationships continue to flourish. Colorado sister cities Colorado Springs and Fujiyoshida will celebrate the 60th anniversary of their relationship in 2021, Broomfield and Ueda will mark their 20th, and Longmont and Chino their 30th. Albuquerque and Sasebo will celebrate their 55th year of relations. I heartily praise and thank all those people who continue to contribute toward promoting mutual understanding and friendship through these outstanding exchange programs, for so many years.
I am excited to note that Governor Polis of Colorado recently announced plans for an official visit to Japan later in the fall of this year. Although travel currently remains restricted between our countries, we look forward to welcoming him and eventually all of you once we are able to resume normal travel.
Lastly, it is my privilege to mention and congratulate the following members of our special community here in the Rocky Mountain region, for receiving official recognition during 2020 for their dedication toward building US-Japan relations.
Mr. Philip Seng, who served many years as President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation and as President of the Japan America Society of Colorado, was awarded an imperial decoration, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. For his contributions toward strengthening Japan-U.S. regional exchange and promoting mutual understanding, please join me in congratulating Mr. Seng for this well-deserved honor.
Col. Otis C. Jones, Former Commander of the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base in Japan and now stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado, has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon for his contributions to strengthening national defense relations between Japan and the United States.
Denver and Takayama last year celebrated 60 years together in their sister city relationship. In honor of that amazing achievement, the Denver Takayama Sister City Committee and the Takayama Denver Friendship Association of Japan were awarded with the Commendation of the Foreign Minister of Japan. I congratulate them and commend the efforts of so many people toward building this longtime friendship.
Once again, thank you to each and every one of you in our outstanding Rocky Mountain community, for your efforts over the last year. It has been an astounding year in many ways. Guided by the resiliance and determination you have shown, I am resolved to make the best of these times going forward.
With this in mind, I look forward to working with you all to continue building upon our foundation of friendship, understanding and economic exchange here in the Rocky Mountains.
Thank you.
Midori Takeuchi
Consul General of Japan in Denver
February 24, 2021
It is my honor and pleasure to convey this special message on the occasion this year of the National Day of Japan, celebrating the birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito on February 23. His Majesty has become 61 years old this year, which is Reiwa 3 or the third year of his reign since his accession to the throne in May, 2019 to begin the imperial Reiwa Era. This year we also commemorate the official Ceremony for Proclamation of Crown Prince held in November of 2020, which proclaimed Prince Akishino as the Imperial Heir, Crown Prince.
We are disappointed that the Consulate is not able this year to host its annual National Day reception in Denver, a gathering which serves to show our appreciation for the many people and groups that make up our wonderful Japan-related community in this Rocky Mountain region. Thank you all very much for your understanding.
Under the unusual challenges of the last year, we have missed the opportunity to attend the in-person activities and various cultural events that we are so accustomed to enjoying in the Japan-related community. But I offer this message with an air of cautious optimism for the coming year.
I am inspired to convey my deep appreciation to the people and organizations in this region who have continued to contribute so much, in spite of the difficulties, toward further building the great friendship between the United States and Japan. Through innovation and resiliance, using technology for virtual events and online activities, your efforts have been successful and impressive. I am encouraged and happy to report that the state of relations between us remains strong and growing.
Last year marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of the US-Japan Security Treaty, and 75 years since the end of World War II. The alliance between our two countries today remains essential as the cornerstone of peace and security in the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, defending our shared strategic interests and values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the basic rule of law. We are confident that Prime Minister Suga and President Biden will continue to further deepen and strengthen our close relationship, as the world emerges from the current pandemic in to a new era.
In the coming year, Japan looks forward again to hosting the once-postponed Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics Games this summer. In a spirit of safety and unity it is our sincere desire to welcome the world to our country, to showcase many new realities that can be seen in modern Japan, and to help lead the way toward successful recovery and a brighter future. Positively, vaccinations for COVID started in Japan from February 17, 2021.
Locally here in the Rocky Mountain region, our relationships continue to flourish. Colorado sister cities Colorado Springs and Fujiyoshida will celebrate the 60th anniversary of their relationship in 2021, Broomfield and Ueda will mark their 20th, and Longmont and Chino their 30th. Albuquerque and Sasebo will celebrate their 55th year of relations. I heartily praise and thank all those people who continue to contribute toward promoting mutual understanding and friendship through these outstanding exchange programs, for so many years.
I am excited to note that Governor Polis of Colorado recently announced plans for an official visit to Japan later in the fall of this year. Although travel currently remains restricted between our countries, we look forward to welcoming him and eventually all of you once we are able to resume normal travel.
Lastly, it is my privilege to mention and congratulate the following members of our special community here in the Rocky Mountain region, for receiving official recognition during 2020 for their dedication toward building US-Japan relations.
Mr. Philip Seng, who served many years as President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation and as President of the Japan America Society of Colorado, was awarded an imperial decoration, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. For his contributions toward strengthening Japan-U.S. regional exchange and promoting mutual understanding, please join me in congratulating Mr. Seng for this well-deserved honor.
Col. Otis C. Jones, Former Commander of the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base in Japan and now stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado, has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon for his contributions to strengthening national defense relations between Japan and the United States.
Denver and Takayama last year celebrated 60 years together in their sister city relationship. In honor of that amazing achievement, the Denver Takayama Sister City Committee and the Takayama Denver Friendship Association of Japan were awarded with the Commendation of the Foreign Minister of Japan. I congratulate them and commend the efforts of so many people toward building this longtime friendship.
Once again, thank you to each and every one of you in our outstanding Rocky Mountain community, for your efforts over the last year. It has been an astounding year in many ways. Guided by the resiliance and determination you have shown, I am resolved to make the best of these times going forward.
With this in mind, I look forward to working with you all to continue building upon our foundation of friendship, understanding and economic exchange here in the Rocky Mountains.
Thank you.
Midori Takeuchi
Consul General of Japan in Denver