The Maldives and Japan have reaffirmed their longstanding friendship as the Japanese Embassy in Malé celebrated the 10th anniversary of its establishment in the Maldives with a cultural event highlighting the close ties between the two nations.
The ceremony, held at the Social Centre in Malé, brought together government officials, diplomats and invited guests to commemorate a decade since the embassy officially opened in the Maldives in 2016.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Foreign Affairs Iruthisham Adam said cultural exchanges have become an important pillar of the Maldives-Japan relationship, noting the growing popularity of Japanese traditions and lifestyle among Maldivians.
She observed that Japanese cuisine, including sushi and matcha, has gained widespread popularity in the Maldives, while anime and other forms of Japanese entertainment continue to attract a growing audience, particularly among young people. The Minister said these cultural connections are helping to further strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
Minister Iruthisham also expressed appreciation for Japan's continued support to the Maldives in areas including education, economic development and visa facilitation, describing Japan as a trusted development partner.
Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko, reaffirmed Japan's commitment to maintaining its close partnership with the Maldives. She said Japan will continue to prioritise assistance that contributes to improving livelihoods and supporting the country's development.
The Ambassador also expressed confidence that the number of Japanese tourists visiting the Maldives will continue to increase in the years ahead, further strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Adding a cultural touch to the celebrations, the programme featured a live demonstration of Kendo, the traditional Japanese martial art that has recently been introduced to the Maldives. To mark the occasion, the Japanese Embassy donated a set of Kendo equipment, which Ambassador Ishigami presented to local representatives.
The Maldives and Japan established diplomatic relations on 15 November 1967. Japan initially managed its diplomatic affairs with the Maldives through its embassy in Colombo before opening its resident embassy in Malé in 2016, marking a new chapter in bilateral cooperation that continues to expand across a wide range of sectors.
