Seiji Kihara, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, appointed Japan's Friendship Ambassador and officially revealed the chosen logo at a special ceremony. The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointed Yuichiro Miura, a well-known alpinist, skier and adventurer as Friendship Ambassador, with the intention of promoting bilateral exchanges and friendship between Japan and Nepal.

“Miura has a close relationship with Nepal, having skied down Mt. Everest and scaled the peak three times, the third time breaking records at the age of 80. Mr. Muira also acts as Goodwill Ambassador for the World Food Program (WFP) and was very active in the aftermath of the earthquake, collecting donations for much-needed supplies. Miura has long been encouraging friendship between the two countries,” said a press release issued by Japanese Embassy.

After consulting with the Government of Nepal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has also selected a logo to commemorate the 60th anniversary. The logo unites Japan’s national flower, sakura, and Nepal’s national flower, laligurans, with a mountain from each country to represent the friendship between Japan and Nepal. The logo is designed by Hiromitsu Kono.

The logo will be used by the governments of Japan and Nepal and also by organizations of events endorsed by the governments to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal throughout this year.