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[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a meeting with His Majesty King Philippe, King of the Belgians, and then hosted a banquet, at Akasaka Palace State Guest House.

In his address at the banquet, the Prime Minister said,

“Good evening. My name is Shinzo Abe.

I would like to extend my heartfelt welcome to Your Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, who are visiting Japan as state guests. I am delighted that we are able to welcome your Majesties to Japan in this year that commemorates the important milestone of the 150th anniversary of our diplomatic relations.

The foundation of the friendly relations between Japan and Belgium is the longstanding close relationship between the Belgian royal family and the Japanese imperial family. I am truly delighted that there have been numerous visits to Belgium by members of Japan’s imperial family, including the visit by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan in 1993, while members of the royal family of Belgium have also made frequent visits to Japan.

For many Japanese people, when they think of Belgium, the first thing that comes to mind is your rich food culture. I myself am a fan of Belgian chocolates, waffles, and mussels, while my wife is a great fan of Belgian beer. In regard to commitment to good food, Japan is Belgium’s equal. This evening I would like Your Majesties to experience anew the wonders of genuine Japanese cuisine.

When I visited Belgium in May, I presented Prime Minister Michel with some Japanese sake. I hope that by now the Prime Minster has shifted his allegiance from Belgian beer to Japanese sake.

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of our friendship, many events have been held in both Japan and Belgium. Today, for example, Tokyo Sky Tree, the tallest building in Japan, is being illuminated in the colors of the Belgian flag, to mark the occasion of Your Majesties’ visit.

I hope that everyone who looks up at the night sky in Tokyo this evening will think of Belgium. I am sure that sales of Belgian beer will double this evening. 

Today’s banquet is graced by the presence of many leaders who are active in a wide range of fields, including politics, the economy, academia, and culture. It is thanks to all of you that the present relationship between Japan and Belgium exists. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you all and also to request your continued efforts to ensure that our relations develop further.

I would like to raise a toast with the wish that this visit by Your Majesties will add a new chapter to the 150-year history of our bilateral exchange. I would like to express my heartfelt wishes for your continued health and success, and for an even closer friendship between Japan and Belgium.”