Japan's overseas missions elsewhere have also been holding similar annual celebrations in observance of the emperor's 64th birthday, which falls on Feb. 23. Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne in 2019.
Japanese Ambassador Koichi Mizushima stressed the significance of this year's event, which coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Seoul and Tokyo.
South Korea's first vice foreign minister Kim Hong-kyun who attended the event, also emphasized the need for continued cooperation. "Seoul and Tokyo have built mutual trust over the past 60 years, and we should further develop bilateral relations," Kim said in his congratulatory message.
But a group of anti-Japanese activists gathered and staged a rally in front of the hotel, as the two neighboring countries remain at loggerheads over several political and historical issues.
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