Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania

02/23/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/23/2026 00:07

Gitanas NausÄ—da congratulated Japan on national day

President Gitanas Nausėda extended congratulations to Emperor Naruhito of Japan on his birthday and Japan's national holiday.

"To mark the anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic ties, the works of Lithuanian composer and artist Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis will be presented in Japan, highlighted by an exhibition at the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo. We are also delighted that the Baltic Pavilion at the international exhibition "EXPO 2025" in Osaka has significantly enhanced Lithuania's visibility in Japan. Through these cultural initiatives, we continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between our peoples, further enriching the history of our bilateral relations," the President's message of congratulations reads.

President Gitanas Nausėda pointed out in his letter that this year also marks the 40th anniversary of the death of Chiune Sugihara, the distinguished Japanese diplomat who served in Lithuania. According to the President, Sugihara's deeds and moral legacy remain a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to human rights, the rules-based international order, and multilateralism.

"Lithuania highly values Japan as its closest like-minded partner in the Indo-Pacific region. Your country's consistent support for Ukraine is immensely significant, and we see great potential for cooperation in Ukraine's reconstruction and recovery. I firmly believe that, in the face of unprecedented challenges, our nations will continue to stand united through cooperation built on shared democratic values," the Lithuanian Head of State underlined.

On national day, Gitanas Nausėda wished the Emperor of Japan continued happiness and excellent health, as well as many years of peace and prosperity for Japan and its people.

Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania published this content on February 23, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 23, 2026 at 06:07 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]