MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Japanese emperor is celebrating his 82nd birthday on Wednesday.
"I would like to confirm [our] interest in the development of friendly Russian-Japanese relations, mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in different areas. It reflects the fundamental interests of the people of our countries, in line with the promotion of peace, security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region," Putin said in a birthday telegram to Akihito, published on the Kremlin’s website.
The emperor’s birthday is a national holiday in Japan. The Imperial Palace opens its doors for public celebratory ceremonies, the emperor himself appears on the palace’s balcony to welcome those who came to extend birthday greetings.
