Atlanta, February 21, 2023 – The Consulate General of Japan Atlanta hosted an annual celebration of His Majesty Emperor of Japan's Birthday celebration at The Buckhead Club. Hon. Mio Maeda, Consul General of Japan Atlanta and his wife welcome foreign dignitaries, legislators, business leaders, and guests at the reception.
“We look forward to the 50th anniversary of the establishment of our consulate in Atlanta next year. There are currently over 1300 Japanese companies operating in the jurisdiction,” said Mio Maeda, Consul General of Japan Atlanta in his welcome remark.
Despite the celebration, the mood is somber when several guests speakers reflected the positive contributions and friendship extended by former President Carter towards Japan when he was the Governor of Georgia. “Japan has been a strategic partner for the State of Georgia. Since the establishment of our trade office in Tokyo in 1973 by then Governor Carter, our relationship have grown exponentially,” said Mary Waters, Deputy Commissioner of Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Hon. Yoonjoo Park, Consul General of South Korea and Hon. Ray Donato, the Honorary Consul General of the Philippines were in attendance the reception.
The Emperor's Birthday is an annual public holiday in Japan celebrating the birthday of the reigning Emperor which is currently 23 February as Emperor Naruhito was born on that day in 1960.
