A formal reception was held in Ashgabat, organized by the Embassy of Japan in Turkmenistan to celebrate the Birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito.

The event was attended by high-ranking guests, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, heads of diplomatic missions accredited in the country, as well as representatives of international organizations, the business community, and the media.

In his welcoming speech delivered in the Turkmen language, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Turkmenistan, Hiroshi Sasaki, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership between the two countries. Particular attention was paid to the dynamic nature of high-level bilateral contacts. In particular, the Ambassador recalled that last year the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited Japan twice: to participate in the world exibition EXPO-2025 and to attend the Summit of Heads of State of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue.

“During both visits, the esteemed President met with His Majesty the Emperor. The fact that a foreign head of state was granted an audience with the Emperor twice within a single year is quite rare. This symbolizes the unprecedentedly high level of relations between our countries,” noted Mr. Hiroshi Sasaki.

Building on the foundation that has been established, the Embassy of Japan intends to expand its activities in 2026. Priority areas include supporting Japanese companies in the Turkmen market, developing educational programs for Japanese language instruction, and intensifying cultural exchange.

Holding ceremonial receptions in honor of the reigning monarch’s birthday is a long-standing tradition of Japanese diplomatic missions around the world. This occasion is annually celebrated as one of the country’s principal national holidays. This year, His Majesty Emperor Naruhito will turn 66 years old; the official date of celebration is February 23.