National Day Reception 2013

On December 10th, A National Day Reception was held at the Ambassador’s residence to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor (December 23rd). More than 300 guests attended the event, from the Belgian Government, Diplomatic Corps, NATO, Belgian business, cultural and academic communities, among others.

At this event, Mrs Yuzuko HORIGOME, a Japanese violinist residing in Belgium, was handed over Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation, and Mr. Tanguy VAN OVERSTRAETEN , vice president of Belgium-Japan Association & Chamber of Commerce (BJA), Prof. Andreas THELE, director of Japanese Studies Centre, University of Liège , Prof. Dimitri VANOVERBEKE, professor of Japanese Studies, Catholic University of Leuven, were awarded Ambassador’s Commendation for their outstanding contribution in promoting Japan-Belgium Cooperation in their respective fields.

An exhibition of 5 Japanese cities (Yuuki, Kanazawa, Komatsu, Nagakute, Himeji) which have sister cities in Belgium was held during the reception. Japanese wine and sake tastings were also held on this occasion.

*  Award of the Foreign Minister’s Commendation

*   Award of Ambassador’s Commendation

*   Japan-Belgium Sister Cities