Congratulations to Emperor Akihito of Japan 2018-12-23 10:30:00 Vladimir Putin congratulated Emperor Akihito of Japan on his birthday. The message of the Russian President reads, in part: “Please, accept my heartfelt greetings on the occasion of your birthday. I would like to express confidence that Russia-Japan relations will continue to develop, both for the good of our peoples and in the interests of security and stability in the Asia Pacific region. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year. I wish you and the members of the Royal family good health and wellbeing, and all the people of Japan – happiness and prosperity.”