The Japanese community in Bhutan hosted a reception in honour of His Majesty The Emperor of Japan in Thimphu on Sunday.
Emperor Akihito succeeded the throne in January 1989 after the death of his father. He is the 125th member of the world’s oldest reigning dynasty. The news of his abdication was officially announced last year in December. The Emperor will be succeeded by his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito.
“It is my great honour to host the national day reception of Japan in Bhutan. December 23 marks the 85th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Akihito. This is the last opportunity to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty Akihito as a national day since His Majesty will abdicate on 30th of April next year,” Kenji Hiramatsu, Japan’s Ambassador to Bhutan, said.
Meanwhile, the Japan Week, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (JOCV) also began on Sunday.
As part of the celebration, the Japanese Government promised to construct a Judo training hall in Thimphu.
