Under the auspices of His Excellency Akira Muto, the Consulate General of Japan organized a banquet in celebration of Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s 60th birthday. The Diocesan Primate His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and Executive Director Dn. Harout Markarian attended the banquet which was held at the residence of Consul General Muto.

Emperor Naruhito is Japan’s 126th monarch according to Japan's traditional order of succession.

The bond of collaboration between the Western Diocese and the Consulate General of Japan was solidified by a historic event held at the Diocesan Headquarters on Tuesday, September 17, 2019. The event honored the undying legacy of Diana Apcar, reflecting on her symbolic life and her humanitarian aid during a perilous chapter in Armenian history as she provided emotional care and financial assistance for Armenian Genocide survivors who found refuge in Japan.

The evening indeed was milestone in the life of the Western Diocese that will further develop the friendship of the Armenian and Japanese people.