Celebration of the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
On December 1st, 2011, the Consulate General of Japan in Portland hosted a reception to celebrate the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Portland. Governor of Oregon John Kitzhaber and Portland Mayor Sam Adams were among the guests and more than 350 people attended the ceremony and reception.
After the remarks of Consul General Okabe, Governor Kitzhaber and Mayor Adams said a few words, and congratulatory messages were sent from U.S. Senators and Representatives. At the toast, Governor Kitzhaber, Mayor Adams, Ms. Alice Sumida who received the Foreign Minister's Commendation this year, Pink Martini which had a charity concert for the Great East Japan Earthquake with Yuki Saori, and Consul General Takamichi Okabe stood on the stage and led the guests in a toast. All the guests joined in singing the national anthems of both countries.
From Left: Four members of Pink Martini, Ms. Alice Sumida, Governor Kitzhaber, Mayor Adams, Ms. China Forbes of Pink Martini, and Consul General Okabe.
At this year's Emperor's Birthday Reception, three Electric Vehicles: Mitsubishi “i-MiEV”, Nissan "LEAF", and a Toyota “Plug-in PRIUS” were exhibited. Japanese companies and Japanese local governments also joined the reception by having promotional booths at the venue. Also, organizations which are promoting relief for victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011 joined and exhibited their products and activities.
The reception was a great success in celebrating the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor as well as providing an opportunity for all of the guests to expand their understanding of Japanese businesses in the area and learn about the recovery efforts from the Earthquake.
Electric cars and special booths
Special Booths
Copyright © 2006 Consulate-General of Japan in Portland