Greek Embassy Holds National Day Reception | Celebrating Independence Day, World-Renowned Greek Diva Sings the National Anthem
Every year, March 25th is a very important day for Greece. In 1821, modern Greece declared independence from the Ottoman Empire, marking the beginning of the War of Independence against approximately 400 years of Ottoman rule. Greece then achieved independence as the Kingdom of Greece in 1830. Therefore, March 25th has always been a very meaningful historical day for Greeks. This day united the Greek people and continues to connect Greeks and their families around the world.
This year, under the leadership of Her Excellency H.E. Mrs. Olga Kliamaki, the first female ambassador to Japan who assumed office in December of last year, the Greek Embassy celebrated Independence Day with many guests. At the commemorative reception, following greetings from Ambassador Kliamaki, messages were delivered by StateMinister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Ayano Kunimitsu, State Minister of Defense, Mr. Masahisa Miyazaki and former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Taro Kono. For the singing of the national anthems of both countries, Ada Athanasopoulou, a Greek soprano who is active worldwide and based in London, showcased her beautiful voice.
On this historic day, reflecting on Greece and Japan, it’s clear that their policies often align. Greece is currently guided by three pillars: dialogue, diplomacy, and democracy, which closely coincides with Japan’s position in promoting peaceful coexistence. Both are also maritime nations surrounded by the sea. Currently, Greece and Japan share interconnected challenges in the European-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, and maintain a strong strategic partnership.
During the celebrations of the 125-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between Greece and Japan, in 2024, Japan-Greece Year of Culture and Tourism, Greece attracted considerable attention in Japan. One reason for this was the visit of Princess Kako, the second daughter of Prince Akishino, to Greece. Additionally, Greece’s Minister of Tourism, Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, visited Japan. Princess Kako’s visit, in particular, received extensive media coverage in both countries, making Greece, the land of mythology, feel even more familiar to Japanese people.
Last year, Greek high-level officials continued to visit Japan. From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Secretary-General for International Economic Affairs, Mr. Skalkos, visited Japan and attended the Ukraine Mine Action Conference. Minister of Defense Mr. Dendias, on the first Defense Ministerial visit in the history of Japan-Greece relations, also inspected Japanese defense-related institutions and exchanged views on defense in the field of advanced technology.
Furthermore, trade and investment between the two countries have steadily developed, including the avoidance of double taxation agreement. It was also announced that Japan would participate as an honorary invited country in this year’s 90th Thessaloniki International Trade Fair. As these opportunities increase, Greece and Japan are sharing values such as the “Takumi” (craftsmanship) culture of manufacturing, and their exchanges are deepening.
Currently, aggression and war are occurring around the world, but Greek Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Mrs. Kliamaki, clearly stated Greece’s position on the increasingly tense Middle East and on Ukraine, where the Russian invasion has lasted for more than four years. Regarding tensions in the Middle East, she commented that Greece is providing defense support to Cyprus and will continue to strive to ensure the safety and freedom of navigation in a wider area, while stressing the need for unified support for Ukraine.
These two maritime nations, Greece and Japan, will likely continue to build even deeper relationships in the future. Symbolizing this, the lyrics of the Japanese song “Ito” (Thread), sung by a Greek diva, resonated with those in attendance.
“The warp thread is you, the weft thread is me, the fabric we weave together may one day warm someone.”
This seemed to symbolize the warm and harmonious relationship between Greece and Japan, like the beautiful fabric being woven together.
