Japanese Emperor Naruhito's 66th birthday celebration was hosted by Japanese Consul-General Mr Furuya Tokuro at his residence in Toorak, Melbourne on Tuesday 17th February 2026.
Each year in February the Japanese Consul-General invites
some 300 special guests to a reception to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty
Emperor Naruhito. The guests included people from a wide range of fields,
including state and local government officials, state and federal politicians,
mayors and councilors of Sister Cities and Japanese and Australian company
executives.
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| Consul-General Tokuro with politicians, mayors and sake barrel! |
The evening began with the Australian and Japanese national anthems sung by Japanese Australian mezzo-soprano Syrah Torii.
Consul-General Tokuro welcomed all guests and invited us to enjoy the evening and meet and mingle with other
guests. He invited us to savour the plentiful and delicious Japanese cuisine
and specialities on offer with assorted drinks and sake.
The evening showcased Japanese culture and technology
including electric cars and robotics.
Next followed the Kagami-Biraki (sake barrel breaking) –
with sake served to all.
Taiko drumming performed by Wadaiko Rindo entertained the
group and received a great reception.
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| Wadaiko Rindo's taiko performance - always spectacular! |
A number of beautiful Ikebana arrangements were displayed in the home, thanks to the Melbourne Ikebana chapter.
We also had the opportunity
for photos with the Consul-General.
Only a select group of people receive invitations to this
event. This year, as in the past, the Chairperson of FSFA – Julie D'Arcy –
received a plus one invite. I am very honored that Julie invited me to
accompany her to this special event. The sister city relationship between Frankston
and Susono, Japan spanning 44 years is well known to the Consul-General who
has visited Frankston many times including our Japanese Festival in August last year and our
Hanami Party in October. He has also visited Susono and met with Mayor Harukaze Murata and SOFA
members. Consul-General Tokuro is a special friend and supporter of FSFA.
Other invited guests from Frankston included Therese
Sakamoto, FSFA committee and Derinya Primary School Japanese teacher. Therese
invited Elle Taylor, Japanese teacher from Derinya Primary School to join her
for this special event.
The City of Frankston Mayor Cr. Sue Baker and Frankston City CEO
Tennille Bradley were also attendees. The Consul-General Tokuro
recently visited the Frankston City Council and met with Mayor Baker.
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| Therese Sakamoto, CEO Tennille Bradley, Julie D'Arcy, Consul-General Tokuro, Mayor Sue Baker, Bev Hannan and Elle Taylor |
A great evening was had by all renewing our Japanese connections, eating our favourite Japanese foods and enjoying all the drinks and sake on offer. The taiko performance by Wadaiko Rindo, including Umi, impressed us.
Many thanks to the Consul-General Tokuro for his
generosity and his special support for the Sister City connection between Frankston
and Susono.
