On Japan Emperor’s birthday, Kyiv Polytechnic team takes part in festivities
It was a great honour for representatives of the Ukraine-Japan Centre at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute to join in celebrations on the occasion of the 66th birthday of Emperor Naruhito of Japan. This momentous occasion has reflected not only respect for traditions, but also the firm bonds of friendship between Ukrainian and Japanese peoples, which are strengthening at this challenging time.
During a reception hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine to commemorate Emperor Naruhito’s 66th birthday, Ambassador Masashi Nakagome delivered an address, reaffirming Japan’s unwavering support for Ukraine and expressing his hope for closer cooperation in various fields. He presented Centre’s projects supported by the Embassy, particularly the annual Japanese Autumn festival, the 2026 Japanese Ambassador’s Shogi Cup tournament, and a traditional tea ceremony organised by the Ukrainian group Urasenke “Tea Room”.
Kyiv Polytechnic Rector Anatolii Melnychenko, and Andrii Shysholin, Vice-Rector for International Relations, attended the event. Their presence highlighted the importance of partnership between Japanese educational and cultural institutions and the university.
At the reception, guests had the opportunity to enjoy an exhibition of traditional Japanese arts organised by the Centre. It featured exquisite temari balls by dedicated craftsmaster Olha Limonova. Oshibana artists Hanna Filina, Valentyna Protsko and Liubov Khondoshko also contributed their works expressly for the exhibition. A separate section showcased Nunobiki (布引焼窯元) authentic handcrafted Japanese pottery and works by Ukrainian craftsmaster Yurii Karpenko.
The festive and uplifting atmosphere of the event was enhanced by live ikebana works made by teaching artists from the Kyiv-based Eastern Europe Ikenobo Chapter. In addition, special thanks are due to craftsmaster Angela Betelgeuse, who helped to organise the fascinating kimono exhibition.
Throughout the reception, the representatives of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute had pleasure in meeting their partners, including JETRO – Collaborate & Invest Japan, the JICA Ukraine Office, the NGO Centre for International Cooperation and Project Implementation, the Kyiv Kendo Federation, and many-times world women’s sumo champion Ivanna Berezovska, among others.
Once again, this event demonstrated strong ties between Ukraine and Japan and deep mutual respect shared by the two countries. Hopefully, fruitful cooperation between the two nations will continue to flourish in the future.
