Emperor's Birthday Celebration Reception (February 22)

On February 22, the Emperor's Birthday Celebration Reception was held at a hotel in Franklin, Tennessee. The reception was attended by Mr. Stuart McWhorter, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development; Mr. Tony Niknejad, Policy Director, Office of the Governor, on behalf of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee; Mr. Jim Shulman, Vice Mayor of Nashville; and representatives from the five states of the Consulate’s jurisdiction (Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana). The ceremony began with a performance of the national anthems of both countries, remarks by Consul-General Matsumoto, followed by remarks by Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Mr. McWhorter who introduced the strong ties between Tennessee and Japan. A toast was given to the further development of U.S.-Japan relations by Mr. Tony Niknejad, Policy Director, Office of the Governor.