More than 500 guests including local dignitaries, members of the Diet, senior government officials, representatives of the academia and think tanks, foreign diplomats, prominent members of local business community as well as Malaysians working in Japan joined in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Independence of Malaysia at a reception hosted by the Malaysian Ambassador to Japan, Dato’ Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahman and wife, Datin Jazlila Jalaludin, at a hotel here on 4 September 2007.
Dato’ Radzi and Mr. Hitoshi Kimura, Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan exchanged remarks at the start of the reception. In his remarks, Dato’ Radzi said that Malaysia would like to pay tribute to all friendly nations, big and small, various international organizations and all the people that have, in one way or another, supported Malaysia in her efforts to provide the best for her people and to enable Malaysia to make meaningful contributions to the global community. On Malaysia-Japan relations, he emphasized that relations between the two countries had flourished over the years. The visit by YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi to Japan in May which was reciprocated by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Malaysia in late August reflect the closeness and affirm the strength of relations between the two leaders and governments.
Mr. Kimura stated that relations between the two countries have come a long way which benefited both sides. Investments by Japanese companies in Malaysia have remained big. He then proposed a toast for the continued prosperity of Malaysia and the good relations between Malaysia and Japan.
Guests were feted to Malaysian delicacies including mee goreng, ayam golek perchik, daging kerutup, ikan masak asam pedas, udang sambal petai, rendang daging warisan and otak-otak, to name a few. Guests were also entertained with Malaysian traditional dances performed by dancers from Sabah Tourism Board and taiko drumming performed by a Japanese taiko group.
The atmosphere at the reception was one of merriment and festivity, reflecting the warm friendship both Malaysia and Japan enjoy. It was indeed an evening to remember with some guests commenting that the reception was one of the grandest ever organized in Tokyo.
Meanwhile, a week-long Malaysian Food Promotion Week is being held from 3 to 7 September 2007 in Tokyo. It is organized jointly by the Embassy of Malaysia, the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board in Tokyo and the City Club of Tokyo in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia's Independence and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Japan. It is also an effort towards promoting Malaysia - Truly Asia Kitchen, an initiative launched by the Malaysian Government to promote Malaysian cuisine all over the world.
On 3 September 2007, Datin Jazliza Jalaludin, wife of the Malaysian Ambassador to Japan hosted a lunch at the club whose guest of honour was none other than by Mrs. Akie Abe, wife of the Prime Minister of Japan. Since fresh from her recent visit to Malaysia, Mrs. Abe was seen enjoying the Malaysian delicacies that included asam pedas and sambal petai, among others. Sago, tapai and lompat tikam filled up the dessert tray. The delicious lunch was prepared by a chef who was brought in from Malaysia specially for the food promotion week.
Other guests included Mrs. Haruko Komura, wife of the Minister of Defence of Japan who is also the President of the Asian Ladies Friendship Society (ALFS), Mrs. Harumi Akao, wife of the Secretary-General of the ASEAN-Japan Center, and wives of foreign Ambassadors here. While enjoying their lunch, the guests were entertained with Malaysian traditional dances performed by a cultural troupe from Sabah Tourism Board.
Dato’ Radzi and other Malaysian diplomats also took the opportunity to entertain their local contacts, acquaintances and foreign diplomats to the lunch. According to the City Club of Tokyo, the number of patrons for lunch has more than tripled, proving that the food promotion week is indeed a success.
