The 66th Birthday Celebration of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan

On February 10, 2026, The Embassy of Japan in Palau held a reception to celebrate the Emperor's 66th Birthday at Palau Royal Resort. The event was a great success, with over 100 attendees from Palau, including H.E. Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, and First Lady Valerie R. Whipps; Hon. Gustav Aitaro, Minister of State; Hon. Ngiraibelas Tmetuchul, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development; Hon. Steven Victor, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment; Hon. Jeniffer Olegeriil, Minister of Justice; Hon. Kerai Mariur, Senate Floor Leader; and Hon. Mario Gulibert, Vice Speaker of the House of Delegates, as well as numerous OEK members, state governors, state legislative speakers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
 
In his speech, Ambassador Kasahara touched upon the fact that Palau will become the chair of the PIF this year, and that Japan and Palau are expected to co-chair PALM11, which is scheduled to be held next year, and spoke about the further deepening of relations between the two countries.
 
In his address, President Whipps referred to the "tokubetsu" (Palauan for special) relationship between the two countries, which began with the shipwreck of the Jinja Maru. Regarding the resumption of direct flights between Japan and Palau last year, he described it as "a bridge in the sky, following the Bridge of Japan-Palau Friendship (a symbolic ODA project through Japan's grant aid)," expressing his anticipation for an increase in Japanese tourists. He also reiterated his support for a "Free and Open Pacific (FOIP)."
 
Furthermore, this time, a demonstration showcasing the appeal of Japanese food was also held. Following a demonstration by Chef Katsuyama, the first ever chef to be assigned to our embassy in January this year, Mr. Takaaki Kagawa, Chairman of the Authentic Sanuki Udon Cooperative Association from Kagawa Prefecture, was invited to give a udon-cutting demonstration. Authentic Sanuki udon was served to the attendees, and it was very well received by the participants. Mr. Yoshimasa Doi, Director of the International Affairs Division of the Governor's Office of Kagawa Prefecture, also visited and promoted tourism in Kagawa Prefecture.