Japan Self-Defense Forces’ Day Reception 2026
2026/10/22
On 8 October 2026, the Embassy of Japan in Lebanon hosted the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) Day Reception at the Ambassador’s Official Residence. The event welcomed 103 distinguished guests, including representatives from Lebanon’s military and security institutions, the diplomatic corps, international organizations, and the United Nations community.
Representing the Lebanese authorities were Major General Fadi Makhoul, on behalf of the Minister of National Defense and the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), along with active LAF officers and senior officials from the Internal Security Forces, the General Directorate of General Security, and State Security. The reception was also attended by ambassadors, defense attachés, UNIFIL officials, representatives of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), and members of the Lebanon Mine Action Center (LMAC).
In their remarks, Ambassador YOKOTA Kenji and Defense Attaché Colonel HIGUCHI Tomonari highlighted the origins and history of the JSDF, including its longstanding contributions to international peace and stability. They also underscored the importance of continued international support for Lebanon as the country enters a new phase, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation and exploring future avenues of collaboration.
The reception provided an important opportunity to deepen relationships and exchanges among diplomatic representatives, military and security officials, and international peacekeeping personnel.
Guests were experienced to Japanese culture through a selection of traditional Japanese cuisine prepared by the Ambassador’s official chef, including sushi, tempura, and yakitori, accompanied by Japanese sake and other beverages.
Representing the Lebanese authorities were Major General Fadi Makhoul, on behalf of the Minister of National Defense and the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), along with active LAF officers and senior officials from the Internal Security Forces, the General Directorate of General Security, and State Security. The reception was also attended by ambassadors, defense attachés, UNIFIL officials, representatives of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), and members of the Lebanon Mine Action Center (LMAC).
In their remarks, Ambassador YOKOTA Kenji and Defense Attaché Colonel HIGUCHI Tomonari highlighted the origins and history of the JSDF, including its longstanding contributions to international peace and stability. They also underscored the importance of continued international support for Lebanon as the country enters a new phase, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation and exploring future avenues of collaboration.
The reception provided an important opportunity to deepen relationships and exchanges among diplomatic representatives, military and security officials, and international peacekeeping personnel.
Guests were experienced to Japanese culture through a selection of traditional Japanese cuisine prepared by the Ambassador’s official chef, including sushi, tempura, and yakitori, accompanied by Japanese sake and other beverages.