The 60th birthday of Japanese Emperor celebrated.

KARACHI -- To celebrate the 60th birthday of Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Consul General of Japan in Karachi, Isomura Toshikazu hosted a grand reception at local hotel on Tuesday. The event was attended by large number of guests including government officials, politicians, diplomats, businessmen and dignitaries from different walks of life. Proceedings began with a heartfelt rendition of national anthems of Japan and Pakistan, by Deputy Consul General of Japan in Karachi, Ashida Katsunori. The reign of the Emperor Naruhito officially began last year when he succeeded his father Akihiti, marking an end to three-decade long Heisel Era. Hence, it was the first National Day reception under the new 'Reiwa' era. Reiwa, means "beautiful harmony" and his name was taken from the oldest existing peotry anthology "Manyoshu" and it represents a culture being born and nurtured by people's hearts brought together in a beautiful manner.

This year's reception also signifies the leading-up to Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. Olympics and Paralympics' mascots caught the attention of everyone and brought an air of games' excitement to the...