Ambassador Kikuta's Remarks on the Occasion of His Majesty's 80th Birthday
2026/7/15
In celebration of His Majesty the Sultan's 80th birthday, Ambassador KIKUTA Yutaka shares a heartfelt message.
I am KIKUTA Yutaka, Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam. On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, it is my great honour and privilege to extend our warmest congratulations to His Majesty on the joyous occasion of His Majesty's 80th Birthday. It is also my honour to convey that His Majesty the Emperor of Japan has extended His congratulations and best wishes to His Majesty on this memorable occasion.
The 80th birthday is especially meaningful for a Japanese. In Japan, it is celebrated as Sanju, written with the Japanese character for "umbrella" because the letter looks like “eighty”. Traditionally, it marks a life blessed with wisdom, fulfilment, and longevity after many years of devoted service. On the other hand, in Brunei, the Royal Umbrella is an important symbol of the Monarchy. Thus, it gives me all the more pleasure to celebrate His Majesty's 80th Birthday, Sanju, an umbrella years old, with a Japanese touch.
His Majesty, in His Majesty’s Islamic New Year’s Titah last month, spoke eloquently of the importance of pursuing progress in both the material and the spiritual spheres, advancing economic development while nurturing education, knowledge, and the moral values that guide society. This vision resonates deeply with Japan. While we strive for innovation and economic prosperity, we also treasure the spiritual values that have shaped our nation for centuries, balancing tradition with modernity. These shared values provide a strong foundation for our partnership. His Majesty also emphasised the importance of peace and stability in an increasingly uncertain world. Japan shares this aspiration wholeheartedly. As like-minded partners, we remain committed to working together to address global challenges and to pursue a peaceful and prosperous international community.
Looking ahead, next year will be another historic milestone for Brunei Darussalam, marking both Visit Brunei Year 2027 and above all, the Diamond Jubilee of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne. In addition to His Majesty’s 80th birthday this year, these celebrations will undoubtedly provide further momentum for strengthening the friendship between Japan and Brunei, in the fields such as tourism, education, academism, culture, business, and people-to-people exchanges. The Embassy of Japan is committed to making every effort for that purpose. We are planning a variety of events in the coming months to showcase Japanese charm to Brunei Darussalam.
In closing, I once again offer my heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty on this occasion. I wish His Majesty continued good health and happiness, and also I wish the people of Brunei Darussalam for the everlasting peace, prosperity, and continued success. Terima kasih.
I am KIKUTA Yutaka, Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam. On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, it is my great honour and privilege to extend our warmest congratulations to His Majesty on the joyous occasion of His Majesty's 80th Birthday. It is also my honour to convey that His Majesty the Emperor of Japan has extended His congratulations and best wishes to His Majesty on this memorable occasion.
The 80th birthday is especially meaningful for a Japanese. In Japan, it is celebrated as Sanju, written with the Japanese character for "umbrella" because the letter looks like “eighty”. Traditionally, it marks a life blessed with wisdom, fulfilment, and longevity after many years of devoted service. On the other hand, in Brunei, the Royal Umbrella is an important symbol of the Monarchy. Thus, it gives me all the more pleasure to celebrate His Majesty's 80th Birthday, Sanju, an umbrella years old, with a Japanese touch.
His Majesty, in His Majesty’s Islamic New Year’s Titah last month, spoke eloquently of the importance of pursuing progress in both the material and the spiritual spheres, advancing economic development while nurturing education, knowledge, and the moral values that guide society. This vision resonates deeply with Japan. While we strive for innovation and economic prosperity, we also treasure the spiritual values that have shaped our nation for centuries, balancing tradition with modernity. These shared values provide a strong foundation for our partnership. His Majesty also emphasised the importance of peace and stability in an increasingly uncertain world. Japan shares this aspiration wholeheartedly. As like-minded partners, we remain committed to working together to address global challenges and to pursue a peaceful and prosperous international community.
Looking ahead, next year will be another historic milestone for Brunei Darussalam, marking both Visit Brunei Year 2027 and above all, the Diamond Jubilee of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne. In addition to His Majesty’s 80th birthday this year, these celebrations will undoubtedly provide further momentum for strengthening the friendship between Japan and Brunei, in the fields such as tourism, education, academism, culture, business, and people-to-people exchanges. The Embassy of Japan is committed to making every effort for that purpose. We are planning a variety of events in the coming months to showcase Japanese charm to Brunei Darussalam.
In closing, I once again offer my heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty on this occasion. I wish His Majesty continued good health and happiness, and also I wish the people of Brunei Darussalam for the everlasting peace, prosperity, and continued success. Terima kasih.