National Day Reception 2026

On 23 June, Luxembourg’s National Day, Ambassador Michel Leesch hosted a reception in Tokyo bringing together partners and friends of Luxembourg in Japan.

In his speech, Ambassador Leesch looked back at recent highlights of the relations between both countries, including the participation in the Expo Osaka 2025 and the visits by H.R.H. Grand Duke Guillaume before his accession to the throne on 3 October 2025.

He highlighted the growing cooperation in finance as well as in other strategic sectors, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and space communications.

Looking ahead at the upcoming 100th anniversary of bilateral relations and Luxembourg’s participation at the Yokohama Green Expo in 2027, he stressed the importance for like-minded partners to intensify their cooperation in the face of rising international tensions.

He further thanked H.I.H. Princess Akiko of Mikasa, and the guest of honour of the day, H.E. Mr. Yoshimasa Hayashi, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications and President of the Japan-Luxembourg Parliamentary Friendship League, for their respective visits to Luxembourg this year.

In his own address, Minister Hayashi stressed the close relationship between the Imperial Family of Japan and the Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg, and his own recent meetings with Grand Duke Guillaume, Prime Minister Luc Frieden, and Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, while further highlighting recent cooperation in aviation and space.

Mr. Hajime Sawabe, Honorary Consul General of Luxembourg in Tokyo concluded the official part by raising a toast alongside Ambassador Leesch and Minister Hayashi.

The guests, representatives from the political, official, economic and cultural sphere as well as the Luxembourg community, enjoyed the occasion with delicacies, including Luxembourg wine and dishes.