Photo Exhibition and Reception on the Occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Japan

As part of the activities to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Japan, the Embassy of Malaysia in Tokyo, Japan held a photo exhibition showing photos of events that had taken place in the history of Malaysia-Japan relations. The launching ceremony of the exhibition was held on 18 December 2007 at the Embassy itself.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Dato? Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahman, Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan emphasized that the exhibition was not just about showing the photos which tracked back the glorious fifty years of Malaysia-Japan relations but it was aimed at showing the strength that had been gathered and the rewards that have been reaped as a result of these fifty years of glorious relationship. And most importantly, he added, that it also aimed at charting the future of a more glorious partnership premised on respect and engagement, dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.

Main guests at the launching ceremony were former Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Toshiki Kaifu and H.E. Mr. Toshitake Kuwahara, Mayor of Shibuya. In his remarks, Mr. Kaifu reflected on the close cooperation the two countries had developed in the past 50 years. Mr Kaifu who visited Malaysia in 1991 when he was Prime Minister recollected fondly his memories of Malaysia and Malaysia-Japan relations. H.E. Mr. Toshitake Kuwahara, Mayor of Shibuya then offered his short remarks and proposed a toast. Mr. Kuwahara expressed admiration for the exhibition that portrayed the established good relations between Malaysia and Japan.

About 70 photos were put up on display portraying important events throughout the 50 years of relationship between Malaysia and Japan. The photos were displayed under several themes namely exchanges of visits, collaborations on economic, technical and social fields as well as diplomatic engagement.  

The photos put on display were sourced from the Embassy?s own collection as well as those provided by Jabatan Penerangan and Arkib Negara (with the assistance of Bahagian Penerangan Luar Negeri, Wisma Putra), Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd, Matsushita Panasonic Corporation, Sharp Corporation, JICA, OISCA, JBIC, family of and former Japanese Ambassadors to Malaysia, Universities (Waseda and Meiji) and personal collection of H.E. Ambassador Dato? Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahman.

More than 100 guests including Japanese government officials, foreign diplomats from ASEAN and Commonwealth countries as well as those accredited to Malaysia, business corporations with investments in Malaysia, representatives of the academia and the media and prominent members of local community attended the launching ceremony and the subsequent reception.

Guests were feted to a sumptuous treat of Malaysian dishes such as saffron rice, sweet and sour prawn, fillet of fish cooked in kuah lemak, beef rendang, mixed vegetables, meehoon goreng, assortments of Malaysian kuehs such as seri muka, keria, cucur badak, kueh cara, kueh lopes and karipap. The food served was part of the promotion of Malaysian food abroad in line with the Malaysia Truly Asia Kitchen initiative. PERWAKILAN Tokyo members assisted with the rich array of Malaysian dishes.  

Guests were also presented at departure with goodies bag containing samples of Malaysian food products as part of the effort to promote the Malaysia Truly Asia Kitchen initiative.