Kuwait city: The Embassy of Japan held the national day reception on Tuesday to celebrate the birthday of the Japanese Emperor, Naruhito. The reception welcomed over 300 people at the Regency Hotel, including Ambassador Aziz Al-Dihani, Acting Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs as the guest of honor, and many representatives from government bodies, diplomatic corps, regional and international organizations, businesses, and media.
According to Kuwait News Agency, in his opening remarks, Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait, Mukai Kenichiro, reviewed Japan-Kuwait relations in 2025, affirming "a significant leap forward at all levels." He recalled the visit to Japan by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, as well as the visit to Kuwait by Japanese Foreign Minister, emphasizing the strengthened friendship and expressing his determination to further deepen this friendly relationship across various fields in 2026.
The Japanese Ambassador also expressed his aspiration to enhance bilateral relations through the promotion of Japanese food products, including Japanese Wagyu beef, which has recently entered the Kuwaiti market, in addition to expanding cooperation in sports and culture. In this regard, he highlighted the upcoming Asian Games to be held in Aichi-Nagoya in 2026 and the International Horticultural Expo 2027 in Yokohama.
"In 2026, I hope to further advance this great bilateral relationship, not only through official visits, but also across various fields, including culture and sports," the ambassador said. He noted that cooperation in the areas of power, clean energy, and water could be further deepened by leveraging the advanced technologies of Japanese companies, contributing to the achievement of Kuwait Vision 2035.
He added that 2026 is expected to witness further growth in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced technologies, with expanding opportunities for cooperation. He invited Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities and ventures in Japan to expand collaboration in these fast-growing fields.
On the sidelines of the reception, the Japanese Embassy showcased Japanese cuisine by offering guests a selection of Japanese Wagyu beef and seafood, providing attendees with an opportunity to experience Japanese food and culture.