Ambassador Okubo’s Message on the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor
2021/2/23
It is my absolute honor and privilege to celebrate His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito’s 61st birthday. And I would like to express my sincere pleasure to be able to share this moment with you all.
Like last year, the Embassy of Japan has tried to hold our annual reception in honor of His Majesty the Emperor’s birthday. Yet, given the current coronavirus situation in Lebanon, the Embassy of Japan has regrettably decided to refrain from hosting the annual reception this year. I pray from the bottom of my heart that the pandemic would end as soon as possible and that we would be able to return to our normal daily lives.
Over the past year, Lebanon has faced numerous challenges. On top of the economic and financial crises, the country has suffered the August 4th Beirut Harbour Explosions, which cost many lives and caused tremendous damages to the whole city of Beirut. The government and the people of Japan have had deep sympathy for Lebanon and provided emergency relief aid immediately after the tragedy. We have so far provided emergency grant assistance totaling more than 20 million US dollars, primarily through international organizations. In collaboration with the international community, Japan—as Lebanon’s friend in need—will continue to support the country, and also support reforms that the people of Lebanon seek and yearn for. .
The Coronavirus pandemic will likely to continue to give us difficulties, but I want to let you all know that I am more determined than ever to do my utmost to further strengthen the relations between Japan and Lebanon.
Okubo Takeshi
Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon
Like last year, the Embassy of Japan has tried to hold our annual reception in honor of His Majesty the Emperor’s birthday. Yet, given the current coronavirus situation in Lebanon, the Embassy of Japan has regrettably decided to refrain from hosting the annual reception this year. I pray from the bottom of my heart that the pandemic would end as soon as possible and that we would be able to return to our normal daily lives.
Over the past year, Lebanon has faced numerous challenges. On top of the economic and financial crises, the country has suffered the August 4th Beirut Harbour Explosions, which cost many lives and caused tremendous damages to the whole city of Beirut. The government and the people of Japan have had deep sympathy for Lebanon and provided emergency relief aid immediately after the tragedy. We have so far provided emergency grant assistance totaling more than 20 million US dollars, primarily through international organizations. In collaboration with the international community, Japan—as Lebanon’s friend in need—will continue to support the country, and also support reforms that the people of Lebanon seek and yearn for. .
The Coronavirus pandemic will likely to continue to give us difficulties, but I want to let you all know that I am more determined than ever to do my utmost to further strengthen the relations between Japan and Lebanon.
Okubo Takeshi
Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon