Japan Day in Maldives 2026 – Celebrating 10 Years of the Resident Embassy of Japan in the Maldives
2026/10/8
On October 1, 2026, H.E. Mrs. ISHIGAMI Rumiko, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, hosted a special reception to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the resident Embassy of Japan in the Maldives.
The event was graced by H.E. Iruthisham Adam, Minister of Foreign Affairs, as the Chief Guest. Representatives from the Government of the Maldives including H.E. Geela Ali, Minister of Health, Family and Welfare, H.E. Ahmed Shiyam, Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, H.E. Heena Waleed, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, and H.E. Ali Shareef, Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, along with representatives from diplomatic missions and international organizations were in attendance as well.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Iruthisham Adam highlighted the enduring friendship between both countries and conveyed her gratitude for the Government of Japan’s continued support towards the socio-economic development of the Maldives. Ambassador ISHIGAMI shed light on Japan-Maldives cooperation and contributions across a wide range of areas including education, economy, technical, and sports over the past decade, emphasizing the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Both the Minister and Ambassador expressed anticipation for the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Maldives in 2027.
The event was graced by H.E. Iruthisham Adam, Minister of Foreign Affairs, as the Chief Guest. Representatives from the Government of the Maldives including H.E. Geela Ali, Minister of Health, Family and Welfare, H.E. Ahmed Shiyam, Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, H.E. Heena Waleed, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, and H.E. Ali Shareef, Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, along with representatives from diplomatic missions and international organizations were in attendance as well.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Iruthisham Adam highlighted the enduring friendship between both countries and conveyed her gratitude for the Government of Japan’s continued support towards the socio-economic development of the Maldives. Ambassador ISHIGAMI shed light on Japan-Maldives cooperation and contributions across a wide range of areas including education, economy, technical, and sports over the past decade, emphasizing the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Both the Minister and Ambassador expressed anticipation for the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Maldives in 2027.
During the reception, Minister Iruthisham and Ambassador ISHIGAMI officially launched a series of commemorative videos detailing Japan’s Development Assistance to the Maldives.
Ambassador ISHIGAMI also conferred the Ambassador’s Commendation upon Mr Asim Abdul Sattar, former Dean of Faculty of Arts at the Maldives National University, for his contributions to promoting Japanese Language Education in the Maldives.
Ambassador ISHIGAMI also conferred the Ambassador’s Commendation upon Mr Asim Abdul Sattar, former Dean of Faculty of Arts at the Maldives National University, for his contributions to promoting Japanese Language Education in the Maldives.
The Kendo Club in Maldives was officially inaugurated at the reception as well. The certificate was awarded by Mr Mohamed Hanim, Deputy Commissioner of Sports from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, to Mr Mohamed Zidhan Hassan, Vice President of the Kendo Club in Maldives.
After the official segments, Ambassador ISHIGAMI hosted a traditional Japanese tea ceremony for Minister Iruthisham.
After the official segments, Ambassador ISHIGAMI hosted a traditional Japanese tea ceremony for Minister Iruthisham.
In addition to the tea ceremony, guests also enjoyed a selection of Japanese cuisine, including matcha cookies and ‘karaage’ (Japanese-style fried chicken), prepared by the Embassy’s official chef. Additionally, the event featured information booths set up by the Embassy of Japan, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan International Cooperation Centre (JICE), Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japan Foundation, and Sara International, a premium Japanese food products supplier in the Maldives, along with YAMAKI, a renowned Japanese seafood manufacturer that produces katsuobushi or bonito flakes using premium Maldivian skipjack tuna in Addu City.
