2018 National Day Reception to celebrate the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor Akihito (December 10, 2018)

     On Monday December 10th, Consul-General Midori Takeuchi hosted a reception (National Day Reception) in celebration of the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at a hotel in Denver. Approximately 350 guests attended the event including dignitaries, political and business affiliates, and Japanese company representatives.

     Ceremonies began with the U.S. and Japanese national anthems, followed by opening remarks by Consul-General Takeuchi. Representatives on behalf of Colorado Governor Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Hancock then delivered messages to celebrate the occasion of the birthday of the Emperor of Japan, and to commemorate strong relations between Japan and United States. Ms. Heather Alcott, President of the Japan America Society of Colorado, concluded with a toast for wishes to further promote the friendship between our two countries.

     The Consulate had a PR booth to promote Japanese culture, introducing the upcoming KUMAMON (a promotional mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture) visit to Colorado next February, displaying Shigaraki ceramic wares made in one of the Six Old Kilns in Japan, and offering tasting samples of Japanese sake and healthy tea. Several Japanese companies in Colorado also cooperated greatly with booths to display their products, technology and services, as the reception provided a prime opportunity to demonstrate the attractiveness of Japanese brands.