Edited by Anna Popper
To honour the 66th 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 beginning of the Reiwa era, which signifies “Order and Harmony”. His Majesty’s birthday, officially observed on 23 February, is a momentous occasion celebrated by Japanese communities worldwide.
The event was attended by approximately 350 distinguished guests, including the Guest of Honour, Mr. László Kövér, Speaker of the National Assembly, alongside members of the Hungarian Parliament and the Japanese-Hungarian Friendship Group, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of business, academic and cultural circles, Japanese nationals and friends of the Land of the Rising Sun.
The ceremony commenced with a stirring live performance of the national anthems of Japan and Hungary, performed by Yoshida Makiko and a Japanese cello quartet.
The event continued with an inspiring address by His Excellency Tetsuya Kimura, Ambassador of Japan to Hungary:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Evening! Jó estét kívánok!
It is my great pleasure to welcome you all this evening as we celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor, who turns 66 years old on 23 February this year.
His Majesty the Emperor has always prayed for the well-being of the people of Japan and the world. In particular, His Majesty prays for world peace and is concerned about the victims of natural disasters, and those working on the front lines to provide relief both at home and abroad.
2025 marked the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and Their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress attended its memorial ceremony.
Hungary and Japan have been enjoying the friendly relationship based on mutual respect for almost 160 years. On this occasion, I would like to express our sincere wish to further strengthen our historical ties in the coming years.
Now allow me to briefly introduce myself. Just one month ago, I assumed my post as Ambassador of Japan to Hungary. My first overseas assignment was at the Embassy of Japan in Austria from 1989 to 1991 – a period when Hungary, in the heart of Central and Eastern Europe, experienced historically significant transformations. As a young diplomat at that time, I had the opportunity to witness the trilateral foreign ministers meeting between Hungary, Austria and Japan in the border area between Hungary and Austria.
Later, as Consul General in Munich, I realized again the importance of Central Europe. Therefore, I feel truly honoured to be assigned to Hungary, a country blessed with the beautiful ‘Pearl of the Danube’, Budapest.
The year 2025 was a special year for Japanese-Hungarian relations. Last May, His Excellency Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, visited Japan to officially attend the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
Furthermore, five cabinet ministers also travelled to Japan later last year. The Expo provided a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange, showcasing Hungary’s rich culinary culture and traditional arts and it also played a catalytic role for new business opportunities between the business communities of Hungary and Japan. In addition, Hungary opened a consulate in Osaka, further enhancing its diplomatic presence in western Japan.
On the Japanese side, Her Imperial Highness Princess Tomohito of Mikasa, along with several parliamentarians and leading experts, paid visits to Hungary. These exchanges have significantly contributed to strengthening cooperation and friendship between our two nations.
As for economic sector, last year we witnessed some new developments such as the opening of a new factory of Nippon Paper Chemicals in Vácrátót, and additional investments by Nissin Foods, Alpine, and Asahi Breweries.
Following the visit of H.E. Péter Szijjártó, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to Japan, several Hungarian companies established new partnerships with Japanese counterparts in the IT, energy, and other sectors.
Currently around 200 Japanese companies operate in Hungary, providing about 30,000 jobs. Japanese companies began investing, especially in the automotive sector, over 35 years ago, just after Hungary started its economic transformation, which formed the basis for Hungary to be automotive industry hub today, and they remain a trusted partner.
Although I have been in Budapest for only one month, I see great potential for further deepening our friendship and expanding our bilateral relations, building on the achievements made last year. Since my arrival, I have been very much impressed not only by Hungary’s profound culture and cultural heritage, but also by the Hungarian people’s good understanding on the values of Japan and the diverse aspects of Japanese culture. I cannot count all of the Japan-related activities, but to start with, I have met far more Hungarians who speak fluent Japanese than in other countries where I lived before.
The Japanese style of short poems, ‘Haiku’, is well-known in Hungary, a country of poetry lovers. Mr. László Krasznahorkai, the Hungarian Nobel Prize Laureate in Literature, who spent several long-term periods in Kyoto, my hometown, shared his deep insights on Japan with us in his book.
Between April and August this year, the exhibition ‘Hokusai and Manga’ will take place at the Museum of Ethnology. This exhibition is expected to attract all the generations who appreciate both Japanese traditional art, such as ‘Ukiyoe’ in other words, Japanese woodblock printing, and Japanese pop-culture.
We also expect many Japan-related events this year, not only in Budapest but also in other cities, organised by the Hungary-Japan Friendship Associations. Last year H.E. President Sulyok engaged with students, who learn Hungarian at Osaka University. We look forward to deepening our friendship through cultural, sporting and people-to people exchanges including those of the younger generation.
Based on this solid foundation of mutual respect and understanding, I hope that we can renew our cooperation in a broad range of areas, reflecting the changing international circumstances and the development of new technologies. I would like to share some thoughts.
First, in the field of economy, I find it important for the Japanese companies present in Hungary to further enhance their business and engagement through new ideas and partnerships, making the most of Hungary’s advantages, including its location in Central Europe and its access to the Balkan region. At the same time, I believe it is important for us to broaden the scope of our cooperation by capitalizing on the strengths of both countries. A testament to this collaboration is the recent agreement between the Japanese and Hungarian pharmaceutical companies to strengthen their global partnership.
Another testament is that the startups from both countries have initiated partnerships, as a result of the Expo, with a particular focus on emerging fields such as hydrogen technology. While we are eager to encourage more Japanese companies to establish a presence to Hungary, we are also eager to see Hungarian companies increase their investments and partnership in Japan. The Japanese market is not only large and attractive, but it also offers opportunity to address new challenges that every country has to solve.
Second, we look forward to further deepening academic collaboration. Last year Hungarian astronaut Mr. Tibor Kapu underwent training at the Japanese space agency, JAXA, exemplifying the close cooperation between our countries in space exploration. There should be more potential areas for collaboration, since both countries have a number of Nobel Prize laureates in science.
Third, we would like to enhance our coordination in diplomacy. As we face a historic turning point in the international community, maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law is of utmost importance. Close Coordination between Japan and Europe is essential to addressing the global challenges we all face. Japan will continue to work closely with Hungary and the broader international community to tackle these challenges.
Lastly, I hope that I can read a part of my speech in Hungarian next year – as my small personal contribution.
Following the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, the International Horticultural Expo will be held in Yokohama in 2027. At last year’s expo, the scent of lily of the valley that filled the Hungarian pavilion fascinated many Japanese visitors. However, Hungary still has many charms that remain largely unknown in Japan. I hope that the Horticultural Expo 2027 will be an opportunity to create further exchanges and businesses in the fields of agriculture and agro-industry between our two countries.
I cannot conclude my remarks without thanking the Japanese companies and restaurants here for their kind cooperation. Those who have generously offered their booths today are Magyar Suzuki, Toyota Central Europe, Nissin Foods, Hitachi Group, NX Cargo Partners, Asahi Europe and International, Intercooperation, FineSake Budapest, Teavolution, Snack Masako, Kicsi Japán and Yamagata University. I hope you will get to know about their business here and enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes, teas, and sake.
Yamagata University also offers sushi for vegetarians at the entrance to this hall, prepared by a special 3D printer.
I am grateful to Ms. Yoshida Makiko and the cello quartet for the national anthems, and TAIKO HUNGARY for their later special performance. My heartfelt thanks also go to my Embassy staff and the Hotel Marriot staff, all of whom 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. Please enjoy the rest of the evening. Thank you.”
As a gesture of deep respect toward the Hungarian audience, the Ambassador concluded with a gracious surprise. He repeated his closing words in Hungarian with excellent pronunciation – a thoughtful touch that was met with warm and enthusiastic applause: “Végül szeretném őszinte hálámat kifejezni mindannyiuknak, hogy ma velünk tartottak, hogy együtt ünnepeljük ezt az örömteli eseményt. Kellemes estét kívánok mindenkinek! Köszönöm szépen.”
In his speech, on the occasion of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito’s birthday, Mr. László Kövér, Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, conveyed his respectful greetings and sincere good wishes. As Guest of Honour, he expressed his appreciation to His Excellency Ambassador Tetsuya Kimura for the kind invitation.
He underlined that Hungary holds Japan’s rich history and culture in the highest esteem, as well as the Imperial Family, which symbolizes continuity and national unity. He recalled that diplomatic relations between Hungary and Japan were established in 1869 through the “Treaty of Amity and Commerce”, and have steadily strengthened ever since despite the geographical distance. Over the decades, cooperation has expanded across political, economic, cultural, educational, scientific, and sporting fields. He reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to further deepening this multifaceted partnership.
Referring to the 2025 Osaka World Expo, he described it as a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation. The Hungarian Pavilion welcomed over one million visitors and showcased Hungary’s folk traditions, gastronomy, and diverse musical heritage through numerous concerts, as well as professional and business events. He expressed gratitude to Japan and its partners for their valued support in achieving these successes.
Mr. Kövér also noted that it had been a particular honour that His Majesty Emperor Naruhito received President Tamás Sulyok in May, and that several Hungarian ministers had visited Japan during the year.
He emphasized that the opening of Hungary’s Consulate in Osaka was another important step in bilateral relations, further strengthening diplomatic and economic representation, particularly in the Kansai region.
In closing, the Guest of Honour expressed Hungary’s hope to welcome high-level Japanese visits to Budapest in the near future, thereby further reinforcing the longstanding and fruitful partnership between the two nations. Long live His Majesty Emperor Naruhito!
As part of the evening’s cultural programme, the audience enjoyed an exceptional performance by a Japanese cello quartet, alongside a Hungarian taiko drum ensemble. Their presentation was received with great appreciation and warm applause.
The artistic segment was followed by a lavish reception. In addition to product and panel presentations by Japanese companies, guests were invited to enjoy a rich culinary selection, as Hungarian restaurants offered a variety of refined Japanese dishes.
Particular interest surrounded the Yamagata University “Food of the Future” initiative, which generated considerable attention and was greatly enjoyed by guests. Visitors had the opportunity to taste vegan sushi created with a cutting-edge 3D food printer – a remarkable fusion of tradition, innovation, and sustainability that truly captivated the audience.
Source: Embassy of Japan in Budapest
Photos from the Embassy of Japan in Budapest, and Diplomatic Press Agency
