National Day Reception in celebration of the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan (19 March 2025)

On 19 March 2025, Ambassador Onuma hosted a National Day Reception in celebration of the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Approximately 180 people, including Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano, the President of the Council of ICAO, Mr. Carlos Salazar, the Secretary General of ICAO, ICAO Council members, officials of the ICAO Secretariat, and aviation stakeholders attended the reception.

Mr. President's speech

Kagamibiraki performance

At the beginning of the reception, Ambassador Onuma introduced the congratulatory messages received from the participants and stated Japan's commitment to contributing to ICAO's challenges, including sustainability, and emphasized the importance of collaboration and harmony in international aviation. As an embodiment of this, he performed Dvořák's “Going Home” (excerpt from the second movement of Symphony No. 9 “From The New World”) on the cello.

In response, Mr. Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council, expressed his sincere respect to His Majesty the Emperor for his important role in international relations and expressed his hope that Japan would further strengthen its contribution to ICAO in the future.

Ambassador Onuma then led a Kagamibiraki ceremony with Mr. Sciacchitano and his wife, and Mr. Salazar and his wife on stage.

Japanese sake booth

Ikebana flower arrangement

The reception featured Japanese cuisine prepared by the ambassador's chef, sake served by a sake sommelier, and an ikebana display by Ikebana International Montreal, as well as a video introducing Japan, giving participants an opportunity to experience Japanese culture.