National Day Reception in celebration of the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan (25 March 2026)
2026/4/27
Ambassador Yamamoto's opening remarks
President Onuma's Speech
On 25 March 2025, Ambassador Yamamoto hosted a National Day Reception in celebration of the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The reception welcomed approximately 200 guests, including Mr. Toshiyuki Onuma, President of the ICAO Council; Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of ICAO; Mr. Frédéric Fachinan, President of the ICAO Air Navigation Commission (ANC); Representatives of ICAO Council States and Member States; officials of ICAO Secretariat; aviation sector stakeholders; and members of the Japanese community.
The reception welcomed approximately 200 guests, including Mr. Toshiyuki Onuma, President of the ICAO Council; Mr. Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of ICAO; Mr. Frédéric Fachinan, President of the ICAO Air Navigation Commission (ANC); Representatives of ICAO Council States and Member States; officials of ICAO Secretariat; aviation sector stakeholders; and members of the Japanese community.
Kagamibiraki Performance
Ikebana Flower Arrangement
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Yamamoto highlighted Japan’s growing demand for international aviation and outlined plans for a fundamental enhancement of Narita International Airport’s capabilities in response to this trend. He also emphasized Japan’s recent contributions to ICAO and to global aviation and expressed the country’s commitment to continuing its contributions toward achieving safety, security, and sustainability in international aviation.
Following the remark, Mr. Onuma, the President of ICAO Council, expressed his renewed gratitude for the deep trust placed in both Japan and him by Member States, which led to his appointment as Council President, while referring to his experience serving at the ICAO Secretariat as a Japanese Professional Officer (JPO) approximately 25 years ago. He also reaffirmed his determination to uphold Japan’s commitment to international cooperation - one of the core principles of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, signed in 1944, and to which Japan has long been dedicated.
Ambassador Yamamoto then led a Kagamibiraki (sake barrel-opening ceremony), joined on stage by Mr. Onuma, Mr. Salazar and Mr. Fachinan
At the venue
Sushi live station
At the reception, the Official Residence Chef presented a live demonstration of Nigiri Sushi, which was warmly received by many participants.
To further showcase Japanese culture, the reception also featured sake tastings led by a sake sommelier, an ikebana exhibition by “Ikebana International Montreal,” and video screenings of videos highlighting the appeal of Japan. These activities provided participants with opportunities to experience Japanese culture firsthand.
To further showcase Japanese culture, the reception also featured sake tastings led by a sake sommelier, an ikebana exhibition by “Ikebana International Montreal,” and video screenings of videos highlighting the appeal of Japan. These activities provided participants with opportunities to experience Japanese culture firsthand.