By Kamran Hashim
KARACHI: Mr. Hattori Masaru, the Consul-General of Japan in Karachi and Mr. nakagawa Yasushi the Deputy-Consul-General of Japan in Karachi along-with the staff of Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi hosted The Emperors Birthday at Marquee Hall of Pearl Continental Hotel here in Karachi on 28th February 2024.
The Emperors Birthday is celebrated on the birthday of the reigning Emperor of Japan. Present emperor of Japan born as ‘Hironomiya Naruhito and now known as Emperor Naruhito’ was born on 23rd February 1960 and since 2019 when Emperor Naruhito acceded the throne of the Emperor of Japan (Chrysanthemum Throne) 23rd February is celebrated The Emperors Birthday.
Entrance was adorned with traditional Japanese designs of wood-art known as ‘kumiko, Ikebana’ the centuries-old Japanese art of arranging flowers and ‘Bonsai miniatures was also prominent all around.
During his welcome speech Mr. Hattori Masaru, the Consul-General of Japan in Karachi, welcomes all the distinguished diplomats, dignitaries, businessmen, socialites and guests present at the event. He also highlighted the importance of such diplomatic events where we get to socialize with various cultures and ethnicities. The Japanese Consul General also stressed in importance of enhancing bilateral trade, commercial and cultural exchange between two brotherly countries.
The Emperors Birthday was graced by His Excellency Mr. Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori, the honorable Governor of Sindh as the Chief Guest. The Governor of Sindh applauded Japan as the leading nation in the world of technology. He also applauded the efforts of Japanese Government in helping Pakistan in sectors like Technology, Engineering, Health and Education.
After sharing his views the Governor of Sindh along-with host the Consul-General of Japan in Karachi and other distinguished guest proceeded towards cake-cutting ceremony.
After cake cutting, dinner was announced and when even Japanese food/cuisine is mentioned, first that comes to mind is definitely sushi. Before we could reach the dedicated sushi-counter, we had to face a long-line. Sushi-counter turned out to be the centre of attraction during dinner time.
Upon reaching sushi-counter, we found out that sushi was being prepared live with cooked rice flavored with vinegar and raw seafood garnishing ranging from tuna, red-snapper, prawns, calamari, squid and octopus but what we all really missed at this sushi counter was crab. Presence of Crabs could have done wonders.
Another attraction during the dinner time was Japanese Sake Stall, which had various types of Sake being served in single shots and with their umami flavors (sweet, sour, bitter, and salty) of sake paired perfectly with authentic Beef Teppanyaki which had essence of strong garlic, ginger and soy sauce within them resulting in a heavenly taste.
Overall it was an-event filled with the best of Japanese hospitality, Japanese Arts, Japanese Paintings, Ikebana, Bonsai, Images, authentic Japanese food.
