Reception to celebrate His Majesty the Emperor’s Birthday hosted by Consul-General Watanabe (February 20)
2026/2/26
On February 20, Consul General Watanabe hosted a reception in Franklin, Tennessee, to celebrate His Majesty the Emperor's Birthday. Guests from the five states under the Consulate's jurisdiction (Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee), including the guests of honor Senator Bill Hagerty and Franklin Mayor Ken Moore, attended the reception and celebrated His Majesty the Emperor's Birthday together.
At the ceremony, Consul General Watanabe, Senator Hagerty, and Mayor Moore gave speeches, and the Honorary Consul of Japan in Lexington, Kentucky, David Carpenter, gave a toast. In addition, the SAKURA Chorus Group sang the national anthems of both Japan and the United States, and performed Japanese songs for the enjoyment of the guests.
At the venue, there were Japanese vehicles and ikebana exhibitions, and numerous booths were set up to display Japan's advanced technologies and products. Our guests enjoyed Japanese food and sake while experiencing Japan's many charms.
At the ceremony, Consul General Watanabe, Senator Hagerty, and Mayor Moore gave speeches, and the Honorary Consul of Japan in Lexington, Kentucky, David Carpenter, gave a toast. In addition, the SAKURA Chorus Group sang the national anthems of both Japan and the United States, and performed Japanese songs for the enjoyment of the guests.
At the venue, there were Japanese vehicles and ikebana exhibitions, and numerous booths were set up to display Japan's advanced technologies and products. Our guests enjoyed Japanese food and sake while experiencing Japan's many charms.