PHOTO: Japan Emperor`s Birthday Marked In Zagreb

Croatian President Mesic and Ambassador Shirakawa opened a keg of sake together, which symbolises the opening of luck festival.

ZAGREB, CROATIA –

- Japanese Emperor Akihito was born on December 23 and this day is celebrated as a national holiday in Japan, when we remember all the good things that happened in the passed year. This year was especially good for relations between Japan and the Republic of Croatia – said Japanese Ambassador  Tetsuhisa Shirakawa at a reception anent Emperor Akihito`s birthday organised by the Japanese Embassy in Croatia at the Westin Hotel. Croatian President Stjepan Mesic attended the reception as the guest of honour.

The Japanese Ambassador remembered this year`s visit of President Mesic to Japan and his encounter with the Japanese Emperor. The visit coincided with the 15 th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries (March 5), Ambassador Shirakawa said.

Croatia`s President Mesic said he still recalls meeting the Japanese Emperor.

- In these 15 years, the republic of Croatia and Japan have experienced a significant path and achieved co-operation in many areas – the president said, adding that political will exists with both parties, which is a significant starting point.

Japan and Croatia have a joint science-research project which is entirely financed by the Japanese government, the Ambassador said, pointing out that the number of Japanese tourists increases in Croatia year by year. Some 8,000 Japanese tourists visited Croatia last year, but predictions for the end of year are between 130,000 and 140,000 Japanese tourists.

In the end of his speech, President Mesic wished Japan`s Emperor Akihito all the best for his birthday.

President Mesic and Ambassador Shirakawa opened a keg of sake together, which symbolises the opening of the festival of luck, and had the first drink of sake, traditional Japanese alcoholic drink made from rice.

Take a look at the reception in the attached photo gallery: Reception Anent Japan Emperor`s 75^th Birthday.