To celebrate the National Day of the Czech Republic commemorating the establishment of the independent Czechoslovak state, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Japan Mr. Martin Klučar hosted a reception in the representative premises of the Embassy in Tokyo in the presence of more than 300 guests from Japanese government, business partners, academia, Czech compatriots and community.

The guests enjoyed a live performance of the national Czech and Japanese anthems performed by singer Yuya Harada accompanied by pianist Mana Dei. Afterwards H. E. Ambassador Martin Klučar gave a ceremonial greetings and an opening speech, in which he underlined the successful participation of Czechia at World Expo 2025 in Osaka. H. E. Mr. Keiichiro Asao, recent Minister of the Environment of Japan, followed with his remarks. The traditional toast was given by H. E. Mr. Hiroshi Hiraguchi, new Minister of Justice of Japan together with Mr. Jan Marian, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

In addition to the guests mentioned above, Ms. Arfiya Eri, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Katsuhiro Saka, Director-General of Food Safety and Consumer Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, also participated in the sake barrel opening ceremony. Mr. Tetsuro Fukuyama, Vice-President of the House of Councillors, also honoured us with his presence later in the evening.

During the evening the guests enjoyed the company of Czech lion mascot Lefumaru and admired the products of one of the Czech longest-running glass-maker Květná Glassworks as well as the Czech veteran car Škoda Octavia from 1961 that was on display as a reminder of the 130th anniversary of the founding of the Czech car brand Škoda. Traditionally, Czech cuisine including Czech beer and assorted Czech wines were not missing at the festive table.