Rwanda and Japan have sustained remarkable bilateral relations, Takayuki Miyashita, the Japanese Ambassador to Rwanda, has said.

The envoy made the remarks on Tuesday evening during a reception to mark the 85th birthday of the Japanese Emperor, Akihito at the Ambassador’s residence in Nyarutarama, Gasabo District.

Miyashita said a lot has been done through dialogue to strengthen relations at the political level and to bring more Japanese companies to invest in Rwanda as well as promoting the Japanese culture in Rwanda.

"We have had some remarkable achievements among which were the visits of the Honourable Minister for ICT to Japan where he had productive meetings with his counterparts and met with numerous business persons in Tokyo and Kobe” said Amb Miyashita.

The Japanese Ambassador to Rwanda, Takayuki Miyashita while giving his welcome remarks.

In July, a Japanese business delegation comprising of 57 members from 37 companies visited Rwanda and had a wonderful dialogue with H.E. the President of Rwanda Paul Kagame, the Ambassador said. 

"At last year’s celebration I proudly mentioned that the number of Japanese companies doing business in Rwanda had increased to 15. Today, I am much more delighted to announce that the number went up to 24. I thank the government of Rwanda for its support” Miyashita added.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and East African Community, Urujeni Bakuramutsa, saluted the bilateral ties between both countries, saying that relations between Rwanda and Japan span 56 years of cooperation.

"Like you eloquently said our cooperation centres on human resource, agriculture, education, ICT, energy and water supply, rural development and infrastructure development, and Japan has always given us support in these areas. We appreciate the support of Japan in improving the lives of Rwandans” said Bakuramutsa.

The PS Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and East African Community, Urujeni Bakuramutsa addressing delegates.

Trade and investment between the two countries, she said, has grown steadily.

"We will continue to work towards diversifying our economy, promoting industrialisation and made in Rwanda products in the aim of increasing our exports to Japan as well as having the presence of more Japanese companies in Rwanda,” she said.

Emperor Akihito was born on December 23, 1933. The Emperor’s birthday is a national holiday in Japan.

The 85 year emperor will step down in April 2019, in what will be Japan’s first abdication in nearly two centuries.

His abdication will mark the end of the Heisei era, and he would be immediately succeeded by his son Crown Prince Naruhito, which would start a new imperial era.

The ceremony of the enthronement will take place on October 22, 2019 in Tokyo and will be attended by head of states and Governments from across the world. The next Emperor’s birthday will be February 23, 2020