LED by Consul Akiko Tejima, the Consular Office of Japan on Saipan hosted the birthday celebration of Japanese Emperor Naruhito at the Fiesta Hall of Grandvrio Resort Saipan on Thursday.
The emperor will turn 65 on Feb. 23.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, other CNMI officials and business community members were among those invited to the event.
To celebrate the special occasion, Palacios and Tejima raised a toast to the emperor of Japan.
In her remarks, Tejima said Japan’s emperor has expressed hope for world peace as the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II is marked this year.
“The emperor stressed the importance of respecting differences of one another and working hand in hand to realize a peaceful world, at the same time expressing deep sorrow over the many lives lost around the world due to ongoing wars and conflicts,” she said.
Tejima became the head of Japan’s consular office on Saipan in December. She was previously posted at the consulates general in Shanghai and Hong Kong, the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris, France.
“Having lived here [on Saipan] for nearly two months, what impresses me most is the beauty of the ocean,” Tejima said. “[The] fabulous beaches of this island are world-famous, but its visual beauty is beyond my expectation. I suppose it is a privilege to be able to have such a beautiful seaside so close [to] residential areas. Not many places in the world have such luxury. Together with tropical weather and all-around natural charms, I am of the view that this kind of environment can influence the mindset and disposition of people, making people good natured and friendly, as well as generating peace of mind. I have not been to Tinian and Rota yet, but those who’ve been there tell me the sea is super beautiful too. So, I believe [the] people living in the CNMI are blessed with a priceless asset, which literally cannot be counted by numbers or figures,” Tejima said.
Reflecting on the islands’ role in World War II, Tejima said the Northern Marianas “hold … such a special importance for Japan.”
The islands were administered by Japan from 1914 to 1944.
“Unfortunately, armed conflicts still persist around the world today, as the emperor expressed deep sorrow on his New Year’s address,” she said. “We face the reality that the existing international order is challenged even after 80 years since the world went through tremendous suffering and hardship and people must have learned war brings such tragedy and misery and should never again be repeated,” the consul added.
In his remarks, Gov. Palacios said, “We celebrate not just his majesty’s dedication to the prosperity of his people, but also the enduring friendship and cooperation between Japan and the CNMI. Tonight, we stand together as friends and partners, united by mutual respect, shared values, and a deep appreciation of culture and heritage.”
“We are grateful for the strong relationship between our nations and look forward to further strengthening these ties in the years to come,” he added.
Consul Akiko Tejima of Japan, left, and Gov. Arnold I. Palacios at the 65th birthday celebration of Japanese Emperor Naruhito at the Fiesta Hall of Grandvrio Resort Saipan on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025.
CNMI lawmakers and other officials were among those who joined the 65th birthday celebration of Japanese Emperor Naruhito at the Fiesta Hall of Grandvrio Resort Saipan.
Rota Sen. Ronnie Calvo, Superior Court Judge Kenneth L. Govendo, his wife Domitilia, Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho and other guests.
Marianas Visitors Authority officials and staffers pose for Variety.
