Reception Celebrating the Birthday of the Emperor of Japan (December 4)
On Dec. 4, 2013 in the Hall of Flags of the Massachusetts State House, a reception was held celebrating the birthday of the Emperor of Japan. Many prominent guests, including Gov. Patrick were in attendance.
Before a lot of guests on a podium flanked by the national flags of both countries, the national anthems were performed by Berklee College of Music Professor Tiger Okoshi and his student, Mao Sone. Consul General Muto gave welcome greetings, followed by remarks by Gov. Deval Patrick. A toast was offered by Massachusetts State Senator Stanley Rosenberg.
Background music was provided by a jazz trio of Berklee students. Daigin (super premium) sake from Sado City was served and 50 sets of rice and special bottled water were given away as a promotion. The Japanese Restaurant Association served sushi and gave a sushi-making demonstration. A panel display and brochures were provided in a Japanese Company Promotion Corner. The Washington office of the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) had a booth and the Red Sox brought their three World Series Trophies. Many guests had their photographs taken with the trophies.
Five members of Ikebana International provided beautiful flower arrangements which helped make a colorful but relaxed setting for the reception.
Ikebana International flower arrangement (Sogetsu School)
Ikebana International flower arrangement (Ohara School)
Ikebana International flower arrangement (Ohara School)
Sado City corner
Ikebana International flower arrangement (Ikenobo School)
Reception table
Red Sox World Series trophy display
Massachusetts state representative Keiko Orrall
Massachusetts Governor Patrick
MC
Berklee Prof. Tiger Okoshi and Berklee student Mao Sone perform national anthems
Consul General Muto gives greetings
Governor Patrick gives greetings
State Senator Stanley Rosenberg gives a toast
Gov. Patrick accepts a souvenir from Sado (a rice/water set)
A Berklee trio plays jazz background music
Guests visiting the Sado Corner
Display of the Japan Space Agency
Japanese Food Corner
Japanese Business Corner
Japanese Business Corner
Kyoto Corner
Guests enjoying the food and the conversation
