Azerbaijan marks Independence Day and Expo 2025 participation in Tokyo [PHOTOS]

A formal celebration marking May 28 — Independence Day of
Azerbaijan, as well as Azerbaijan’s upcoming participation in Expo
2025 Osaka, was held in Tokyo through the joint efforts of the
Embassy of Azerbaijan in Japan and the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation.

Azernews reports, citing AzerTag, that the
event was attended by Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of
Azerbaijan and Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation,
Ambassador Gursel Ismayilzada, Japanese government officials,
members of the Japanese parliament, diplomats, and representatives
of the Azerbaijani diaspora.

The ceremony began with the national anthems of Azerbaijan and
Japan, performed live by renowned Japanese singer Kyoko
Yamamoto.

In his remarks, Ambassador Gursel Ismayilzada highlighted
Azerbaijan’s transformation into a prosperous nation since
regaining its independence in 1991, thanks to the visionary
leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham
Aliyev. He emphasized that 2025 has been declared the “Year of the
Constitution and Sovereignty” in Azerbaijan, marking the 30th
anniversary of the adoption of the country’s first Constitution and
the 5th anniversary of the victory in the Patriotic War, which
resulted in the liberation of occupied territories.

Ambassador Ismayilzada underlined Azerbaijan’s role as a bridge
between East and West, North and South—geographically, politically,
and economically. He noted that large-scale infrastructure and
energy projects led by Azerbaijan have reshaped Eurasia’s transport
and energy map and opened avenues for multilateral cooperation. He
also highlighted Azerbaijan’s active participation in Expo 2025
Osaka, noting that the country’s national pavilion has been
designated as an “A-category” pavilion, reflecting its high status
and visibility.

Japanese Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and the first
ethnic Turk to serve in the Japanese parliament, Ms. Eri Arfiya,
extended her congratulations to the Azerbaijani people on behalf of
the Japanese government. Delivering her speech in Azerbaijani, she
emphasized the strong diplomatic relations established since 1992
and the enduring friendship grounded in political trust and close
economic ties. She noted that inter-parliamentary cooperation has
significantly contributed to the development of bilateral
relations. Ms. Arfiya also praised Azerbaijan’s national pavilion
at Expo 2025 for presenting the country’s rich cultural heritage
and stunning natural landscapes.

Japan’s Minister of the Environment, Keiichiro Asao, who visited
Azerbaijan during the COP29 conference last year, commended
Azerbaijan’s successful hosting of the international climate
summit. He expressed hope that the outcomes achieved during COP29
would make a valuable contribution to the global fight against
climate change.

Japanese parliamentarians Akira Amari, honorary chair of the
Japan–Azerbaijan Friendship Group, and Kazunori Tanaka, chair of
the group, also extended their heartfelt congratulations to the
Azerbaijani people on Independence Day.

The event concluded with a concert featuring selections from
classical music, folk and contemporary Azerbaijani songs, and
traditional national dances, providing guests with a glimpse of
Azerbaijan’s vibrant cultural spirit.