“Japan has been proactively pursuing diplomacy aimed at ensuring peace and stability and leading the world from division and confrontation to reconciliation and cooperation.”
Edited by Anna Popper
To honour the 65th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, the Embassy of Japan in Budapest hosted a grand reception at the Marriott Hotel Budapest.
Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne as the 126th Emperor of Japan in April 2019, marking the end of the Heisei era and the beginning of the Reiwa era, which signifies “Order and Harmony”. His birthday, officially observed on 23 February, is a momentous occasion celebrated by Japanese communities worldwide.
The prestigious event was attended by around 450 distinguished guests, including Mr. László Kövér, Speaker of the National Assembly, as the Guest of Honour, alongside members of the Hungarian Parliament, government officials, business leaders, academics, members of the diplomatic corps, Japanese citizens residing in Hungary and friends of the Rising Sun.
The ceremony commenced with a stirring live performance of the national anthems of Japan and Hungary, performed by exceptional opera singers.
The evening continued with a heartfelt address by Her Excellency Hikariko Ono, Ambassador of Japan to Hungary, dedicated to His Majesty the Emperor for his 65th birthday:
“It is my great pleasure to welcome you all this evening as we celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor, who turns 65 on the 23rd February this year. Allow me to share with you some highlights of His Majesty’s recent activities as he actively plays his role as the symbol of the nation and the unity of the people of Japan.
Last year marked the fifth anniversary of the enthronement of Their Majesties the Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. Internationally, they strengthened ties with the British Royal Family through a goodwill visit to the United Kingdom. At home, they brought comfort and hope to the earthquake-stricken Noto Peninsula through multiple visits, sitting with evacuees and offering words of sympathy and encouragement.
We stand at a historic juncture in the global community. In the face of an increasingly challenging security situation, Japan has been proactively pursuing diplomacy aimed at ensuring peace and stability and leading the world from division and confrontation to reconciliation and cooperation.
At the United Nations, Japan served as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council from 2023 to 2024 for the 12th time, the highest number among UN Member States.
Japan is proud of its track record as a strong advocate of the rule of law, peace-building, and nuclear disarmament for global peace and security.
Unfortunately, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which is a direct violation of the UN Charter, is still ongoing even now, and the war rages on. To achieve a just and lasting peace, Japan will continue to work closely with the international community, including the G7, to support Ukraine and implement sanctions against Russia.
North Korea’s provocative actions, including its nuclear and missile activities, remain serious concerns. Its growing military ties with Russia, including the deployment of its troops in Ukraine, demonstrate that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are inseparable. Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow. With this grave reality in mind, Japan remains committed to working with the international community to address security challenges in the region and around the world.
Japan welcomes recent developments in the Middle East and commends the efforts of all parties. To pave the way for lasting stability, Japan stands ready to work continuously with international partners to improve humanitarian conditions, support reconstruction, and promote governance for long-term peace in the region.
In the current uncertain and turbulent times, Japan has continued its diplomacy with a primary focus on strengthening the Japan-US alliance, realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) through multifaceted partnerships with like-minded countries, including the EU and NATO, and engaging with partners from developing countries, known as the Global South, to jointly address a wide range of global challenges.
Immediately after the inauguration of the new US administration, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, together with the foreign ministers of the US, Australia, and India in the Quad, reaffirmed Japan’s strong commitment to realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific. And I am pleased to announce that PM Shigeru Ishiba of Japan is to have a bilateral summit meeting with President Trump on this day.
As for Europe, we have witnessed Hungary’s active diplomatic efforts and its commendable achievements during its EU Presidency last year, including the adoption of the Budapest Declaration on the New European Competitiveness Deal, the expansion of the Schengen Area, and the acceleration of the EU enlargement process.
The year 2024 was another significant year for Japan-Hungary relations. Notably, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó’s visit to Japan and the visit of Governor Yamamoto of Gunma Prefecture to Budapest reflect our ever-growing partnership at national and local levels. Currently, over 180 Japanese companies create more than 30.000 jobs in Hungary. Positive developments in 2024 include the opening of Foster Electric’s first European manufacturing facility in Mór and TDK’s additional investment in expanding its factory in Szombathely.
Last December, we learned with great sadness of the passing away of Mr. Osamu Suzuki (1930-2024), the founder of Suzuki Motor Corporation. When I had the privilege of meeting him, he shared his memories of the negotiations with the Hungarian government back in the late 1980s and the immense courage and confidence it took to establish Magyar Suzuki in Esztergom in 1991.
I would like to take this moment to pay tribute to his visionary leadership and significant contribution to the strong economic partnership between Japan and Hungary.
Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 will present a unique occasion to take our bilateral relations to a new level. Japan welcomes the active participation of the Hungarian government with its own pavilion designed by a Hungarian architect, and will open a new consulate office in Osaka this spring. I am also confident that the upcoming Expo will be an excellent opportunity for you to visit Japan and experience Japan’s vibrant culture and rich traditions.
In addition, 2025 will be an important year for sports diplomacy for both Hungary and Japan, with Budapest hosting the World Judo Championships in June and Tokyo holding the World Athletics Championships in September. We wish all athletes from all over the world, including Hungary, success in these international sports events.
I would now like to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency Mr. László Kövér, Speaker of the National Assembly, for joining us today as Guest of Honour, as well as to His Excellency Mr. Péter Medgyessy, former Prime Minister, and Her Excellency Ms. Katalin Szili, former Speaker of the National Assembly. Your presence reflects the strong and enduring ties between our nations and is greatly appreciated.
I cannot conclude my remarks without thanking the Japanese companies and restaurants here for their kind cooperation. Those who generously offered their booths today are Magyar Suzuki, Toyota Central Europe, Nissin Foods, Asahi Europe and International, Dreher Breweries, Sanwa Shurui Company limited and ITOCHU Corporation, Intercooperation, FineSake Budapest, Takofoods, Teavolution, Kicsi Japán, Bistro Komachi, Snack Masako and Csillagerdő Moments. I hope you will get to know about their business here and enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes, including Japanese sake, the traditional brewing, which was declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in November 2024.
You will also enjoy the Japanese Sencha green tea ceremony later during the reception.
I am grateful to the Szakura Együttes and Mr. Sawai for the national anthems of both countries and their special musical performance later. My heartfelt thanks also go to my Embassy staff, who all worked tirelessly for this reception. Finally, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of you for joining us today to celebrate this joyous occasion with us.”
In his speech, the Guest of Honour, Mr. László Kövér, Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly paid tribute to the enduring friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Japan and Hungary.
Recalling the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1869 during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, Mr. Kövér emphasized Japan as a key political and economic partner in East Asia.
He underscored the importance of high-level engagements, citing Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó’s visit to Japan in May 2024, where he held consultations with Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ken Saito, and Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Tetsuo Saito.
The Guest of Honour also mentioned Hungary’s participation in Expo 2025 in Osaka with an impressive pavilion showcasing the rich Hungarian heritage in music, science and architecture, where a new consular office will be opened.
He praised Japanese investments in Hungary, which create over 30.000 jobs, and acknowledged the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement for boosting trade.
He also celebrated educational relations, including Japan’s participation in the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program, and the presence of numerous Japanese students in Hungary.
Science and technology are key pillars of the two countries’ partnership. Mr. Kövér mentioned a book recently published in Japan, honouring Katalin Karikó, Hungarian Nobel Laureate in Physiology and Medicine in 2023.
He also lauded cultural ties, particularly in the fields of folk and classical music, strengthened by collaborations between the Liszt Academy and the Tokyo University of the Arts, GEIDAI.
Furthermore, he mentioned Hungary’s sporting partnerships, including pre-training opportunities for Hungarian athletes in Japan ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
Reflecting on his memorable and fruitful visit to Japan in May 2016, Mr. Kövér reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties and warmly welcoming future Japanese delegations to Hungary.
He concluded by extending his best wishes and proclaiming: Long live His Majesty Emperor Naruhito on his 65th birthday!”
During the reception, guests enjoyed a captivating performance by the Szakura Ensemble and Mr. Sawai, featuring a selection of Japanese and Hungarian musical pieces, as well as an ensemble playing traditional Japanese instruments. Attendees also had the chance to savour an array of Japanese dishes, including sushi, sake, Japanese wine, and beer, served by Japanese restaurants operating in Hungary.
Additionally, Japanese companies organized exhibitions and product showcases, creating a dynamic atmosphere that highlighted Japan’s rich cultural and economic presence. Booths representing Japanese businesses in Hungary further allowed guests to experience the country’s unique charm across multiple fields.
Sources: Embassy of Japan in Budapest, MTI
Photos by the Embassy of Japan in Budapest, FB/ Szijjártó Péter, FB/ Embassy of Hungary in Tokyo, DPA
Magyar Suzuki Reaches a New Milestone: One Millionth Vitara Rolls Off the Production Line
In just ten years, Magyar Suzuki Plc. has produced one million units of its highly successful Vitara model, which remains Hungary’s most popular passenger car. The milestone vehicle – a marble blue, GLX-trim model with a sunroof – was completed at the Esztergom factory on 7 March 2025, and will soon be delivered to its new owner in Germany.
A Turning Point in Magyar Suzuki’s History
The launch of the fourth-generation Vitara in 2015 marked a significant benchmark for Magyar Suzuki. It was the first passenger car whose prototype was developed with the involvement of Hungarian engineers. Local technicians played a key role in the start of production, overseeing crucial advances such as the integration of robotic technology in the welding and painting workshops.
The factory currently produces the Vitara and the latest S-CROSS models, with an increasing focus on sustainability. In 2023, 88.5% of the over 160,000 vehicles manufactured in Esztergom featured hybrid powertrains. This change aligns with the Suzuki Group’s long-term commitment to achieve a carbon-neutral production process and vehicle range by 2050. Magyar Suzuki now exports vehicles to 123 countries on five continents.
Suzuki’s Sole European Production Site
After a 50-year hiatus, the Hungarian automotive industry reached a significant milestone in 1991 with the revival of passenger car manufacturing through the establishment of Magyar Suzuki Plc. in Esztergom. Production began in October 1992, and the plant has remained Suzuki’s sole manufacturing facility in Europe ever since. Over the past three decades, the company has invested €2 billion in its Hungarian operations. In 2023, the plant marked another major achievement as its four millionth vehicle rolled off the assembly line.
A Key Player in the Hungarian Economy
With 33 years of expertise, Magyar Suzuki has developed significant capabilities in engineering, logistics, and IT. Beyond manufacturing, the company offers group-wide services across Europe and plays a vital role in Hungary’s economy. Its extensive network – including 78 national dealerships, suppliers and business partners – supports the livelihoods of around 10,000 people. In addition to vehicle production, the company also distributes imported Suzuki cars, motorcycles and marine engines. In terms of revenue, Magyar Suzuki ranked as Hungary’s 12th largest company in 2023, generating €2.871 billion – an increase from €2.144 billion in the previous year.
Suzuki continues to dominate the Hungarian new car market, reaching a market share of 12.94% in 2024, making it the country’s best-selling brand. The two models produced in Esztergom topped the sales charts, with 6,883 Vitara and 6,607 S-CROSS units sold in Hungary last year.
Looking to the future, Suzuki’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and local know-how ensures that Magyar Suzuki remains a cornerstone of the Hungarian automotive industry.
Source: suzuki.hu
Photos from suzuki.hu and FB/ Magyar Suzuki Esztergom
