A formal reception marking the National Day of Japan was held in Sarajevo on the occasion of the 66th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, reaffirming the strong and friendly ties between Japan and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
His Excellency, Ambassador of Japan to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Toshihiro AIKI, opened his address by expressing condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims of the tragic tram accident that recently occurred in Sarajevo.
“In celebration of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito’s birthday, we gather not only to honor the Emperor, but also to reflect on the enduring friendship between our two countries,” Ambassador AIKI said.
Reflecting on Japan’s imperial tradition, he noted that according to legend, Emperor Jimmu ascended the throne 2,686 years ago, establishing an unbroken imperial lineage. Emperor Naruhito assumed the throne in 2019 as Japan’s 126th Emperor.
“His and Her Majesties, the Emperor and the Empress, and the members of the Imperial Family consistently wish for the wellbeing of the people and world peace. As the symbol of the State under the Constitution, they seek the unity of the people of Japan,” the Ambassador emphasized.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Bosnia and Herzegovina. On February 5, Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae TAKAICHI and Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of BiH Borjana Krišto, along with the foreign ministers of both countries, exchanged letters commemorating the milestone.
“Over the past thirty years, Japan has supported Bosnia and Herzegovina in nation-building, post-war reconstruction, reconciliation and social cohesion,” Ambassador AIKI stated.
“As a responsible member of the Peace Implementation Council, Japan has consistently supported the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
Bilateral cooperation has developed across numerous fields, including politics, economy, culture, education and sports. As part of the anniversary celebrations, a Japanese film festival was organized in five cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, alongside lectures on traditional Japanese musical instruments and other cultural events planned throughout the year.
Since assuming his post more than a year ago, Ambassador AIKI said he had the pleasure of meeting many citizens and visiting various parts of the country while participating in numerous projects.
Addressing global challenges, the Ambassador warned that the international community stands at a critical juncture, facing threats to universal values such as the rule of law, freedom, human rights, democracy and the system of checks and balances developed over centuries.
“Maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law, and protecting and promoting multilateralism, are essential for peace and prosperity,” he said.
“Japan is ready to cooperate with the international community in this regard.”
Japan considers Bosnia and Herzegovina a partner sharing common values and principles, the Ambassador underlined, reaffirming Japan’s support for the country’s European path and regional cooperation in the Western Balkans.
“Japan will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s social and economic reforms and to cooperate both bilaterally and within the international community for peace, stability and prosperity of the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as for the further strengthening of friendly relations between our two countries,” Ambassador AIKI concluded.
