It is a privilege for me as the Ambassador of Japan to Kenya, to mark on this day, February 23, our National Day, which celebrates the Emperor’s birthday.
His Majesty Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne on May 1, 2019, as the 126th Emperor of Japan. He will turn 63 years old on the 23rd of this month.
One of the pleasures of serving as my country’s Ambassador to Kenya is that I have found that many Kenyans take a very keen interest in Japanese history and culture.
As such, some Kenyans may be aware that the Japanese Imperial family is the oldest continuous and unbroken line of succession in the world, and we are proud to have such a rich history spanning 2,683 years.
Under the Constitution promulgated in 1946, the Emperor is the symbol of Japan and the symbol of the unity of the Japanese people, whose status is based on the will of the people.
Thus, in modern Japanese society, the role of the Emperor is basically symbolic, attending ceremonies and visiting areas in Japan and abroad to promote worthy causes and friendship with other countries, among others.
Despite this, the Emperor continues to command the highest respect of our people and embodies continuity in terms of our history, culture and society. It goes without saying that such sentiment is deep-rooted as a result of the selfless devotion of the Emperor and the Imperial family to their assigned role.
As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the relations between Japan and Kenya in 2023, it is worth remembering that the current and the previous Emperors played an important part in fostering our warm bond of friendship.
In 1983, His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus Akihito, then Crown Prince, representing the Showa Emperor, visited Kenya as a return visit to the then President Moi. Years later, in March 2010, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, then Crown Prince and just after turning 50 years old, visited Kenya on the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Kenya.
Then Crown Prince Naruhito’s programme in Kenya reflected his keen interest in the environment and the welfare of the people. He visited Mt Kenya and the Sweetwaters Game Reserve where he was briefed about the difficulties of making tourism and the environment compatible, and the great concern about climate change. He expressed his belief that Japan should cooperate with Kenya to address these challenges.
He also visited the Mwea Irrigation Scheme to observe rice production, which received Japanese support. At the time, the then Crown Prince was the Honorary President of the United Nations Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation.
On the occasion of the dinner hosted by the Kenyan government, the then Crown Prince expressed his sincere hope that his visit would provide momentum for furthering the friendly relationship between our two countries.
The Imperial family of Japan has had longstanding links with Africa, including Kenya, and their high-profile visits raise interest among the Japanese people.
As the Covid-19 situation gradually becomes controlled, I look forward to resuming the people-to-people exchanges between our two countries that contribute so much to our friendship.
Japanese Ambassador to Kenya
