Monday 09 / June / 2025
Muscat: The Oman-Japan Friendship Association (OJFA) is gearing up to celebrate the birthday of Emperor Akihito of Japan, his last as sovereign of the world’s third largest economy.
In a statement shared with the Times of Oman, Mohammed Saud Bahwan, Chairman of the association’s board, said, “On behalf of the Members of the Board, OJFA, it gives me immense pleasure to convey my heartfelt greetings to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Akihito of Japan, on the auspicious occasion of his 85th birthday.”
“In Oman too, this year marks the milestone 48th Anniversary of the Blessed Renaissance, under the wise and visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. We would like to pay our respects to His Majesty and pray to God Almighty to bestow him with good health and a long life.”
“For over four decades, the remarkable friendship between the two great nations – Oman and Japan—has grown from strength to strength, offering immense opportunities to strengthen relations, cooperation and promote common development, enabling the people of the two nations to benefit and prosper.”
“Throughout the year, the OJFA in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan in Oman conducts three-month-long Japanese Language Courses – specialised language programmes—for Japanese language enthusiasts. These courses are conducted by a specially assigned, very talented and immensely experienced native teacher,” he added.
“Events like these go a long way in developing interest and admiration among the people of both the nations. In the days to come, the OJFA will continue to passionately plan and organise many more memorable events that will draw people of both the nations to enjoy and cherish lasting relationships.”
The celebratory event comes as Japan prepares for its first imperial abdication in over 200 years.
Akihito, who has been on the throne for nearly three decades, is due to step down on April 19, 2019.
Akihito, turned 85 on December 23 and has had heart surgery and treatment for prostate cancer, said last year that he feared age might make it hard for him to fulfil his duties. He will be succeeded by his heir, 57-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito.
Speaking about the abdication, Japan’s ambassador to Oman, Toshinori Kobayashi, stated, “The 23rd of December 2018 marks His Majesty Emperor Akihito’s 85th birthday, and as you may be aware, Emperor Akihito will abdicate on April 30 of next year after fulfilling his duties in the best manner over the past 30 years.”
“As the new Ambassador of Japan to the Sultanate of Oman, I am committed to spare no efforts to further develop the bilateral relations between our two friendly countries in all fields,” he added.
“I seize this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, and the government and citizens of the Sultanate of Oman, for their valuable support and efforts in deepening the strong friendship between Japan and the Sultanate of Oman.”
