The Reception to celebrate the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan 12th February 2026
2026/2/17
On Thursday 12 February, Ambassador Sugiyama hosted a reception to celebrate the 66th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, with State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, State Secretary of Defense Andreas Flåm, State Secretary of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Kristina Sigurdsdottir Hansen, and General Eirik Kristoffersen, Chief of Defense, among other distinguished guests. The reception was also attended by Norwegian and Japanese friends from various fields, including politics, business, academia and culture, as well as ambassadors from the diplomatic corps.
The reception started with the Japanese and Norwegian national anthems performed by “Sakura Choir”, followed by the opening remarks by Ambassador Sugiyama, State Secretary Kravik and General Kristoffersen.
Ambassador Sugiyama stated in his opening remarks that Japan and Norway, as strategic partners sharing fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, had further strengthened their strategic partnership in a wide range of fields, including politics, security, economic cooperation - particularly with regard to the green transition - and culture on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as well as Norway's participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo last year.
Ambassador Sugiyama also expressed his determination to further strengthen the friendly and cooperative relationship between Japan and Norway, referring to HRH Crown Prince Haakon's visit to Japan in June this year.
On this occasion, Japanese companies and associations set up booths and introduced their activities related to tourism, green transition and brewing sparkling sake.
The reception started with the Japanese and Norwegian national anthems performed by “Sakura Choir”, followed by the opening remarks by Ambassador Sugiyama, State Secretary Kravik and General Kristoffersen.
Ambassador Sugiyama stated in his opening remarks that Japan and Norway, as strategic partners sharing fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, had further strengthened their strategic partnership in a wide range of fields, including politics, security, economic cooperation - particularly with regard to the green transition - and culture on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as well as Norway's participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo last year.
Ambassador Sugiyama also expressed his determination to further strengthen the friendly and cooperative relationship between Japan and Norway, referring to HRH Crown Prince Haakon's visit to Japan in June this year.
On this occasion, Japanese companies and associations set up booths and introduced their activities related to tourism, green transition and brewing sparkling sake.
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| Speech of Ambassador Sugiyama | State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik |
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| General Eirik Kristoffersen | Ambassador Sugiyama |
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| State Secretary Kristina Sigurdsdottir Hansen | Presentation of brewing sparkling sake to General Kristoffersen and Mayor Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen of Bodø |
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| Ikebana by Ms. Lisbeth Lerum | |