The Nepal Embassy in Tokyo hosted the National Day 2024 celebration at the prestigious Reiyukai Shakaden, a venue located near Azabudai Hills, home to Japan’s tallest commercial building. The event brought together diplomats, government officials, and members of the Nepali community in Japan to celebrate Nepal’s national pride and cultural heritage.
Nepal’s Minister of Labor, Employment, and Social Security, Mr. Sharad Singh Bhandari, attended as a special guest, underscoring the importance of Nepal-Japan relations, especially in labor and employment sectors. His formal attire, though distinct from traditional Nepali clothing, reflected a modern representation of Nepal on the international stage.
The event opened with the playing of the Japanese national anthem, symbolizing the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. Nepali Ambassador Dr. Durga Bahadur Subedi, in his speech, highlighted the growing cooperation between Nepal and Japan. He humorously reassured attendees that embassy emails would now be responded to within 3 days and made a firm commitment to resolving passport issuance issues, stating, “It’s hard to say but even harder to do, yet we are committed to ensuring that passport problems will no longer persist.”
A major highlight of the program was the inauguration of two books. The first was written by Ambassador Dr. Subedi“Dubasu Chettri” himself, showcasing his poetic talents. The second was authored by Jigyan Kumar Thapa. Both books were officially launched by Nepal’s Minister of Labor, Employment, and Social Security, Mr. Sharad Singh Bhandari, during the event, adding a literary touch to the celebration and further enriching the cultural significance of the National Day 2024 program.
The cultural portion of the event was lively, with traditional Nepali dances performed by students from Tokai Batika International School, who danced to the patriotic song “Pashchim Koi Purba Ghar.” Their performances, along with other contributions from school children and community groups, fostered a strong sense of connection to Nepali culture.
In addition to the performances, poetry recitations by prominent Nepali poets such as Manjul and Rabin Sharma, along with several other poets including a Japanese poet, added emotional depth to the event. Manjul’s poem “Miteri: I Must Return Soon,” and Sharma’s “Waiting and Returning” beautifully captured the sentiments of Nepali expatriates, evoking themes of nostalgia and longing for their homeland.
The venue, Reiyukai Shakaden, located near Azabudai Hills, added grandeur to the celebration, making it both memorable and meaningful for the Nepali community. The event concluded with a renewed sense of unity, cultural pride, and a strengthened commitment by the Nepal embassy to serve its citizens abroad while fostering stronger ties with Japan.
