On 26 February 2026, the President of the Cyprus Olympians Association (KESOA), Mr. Costas Papacostas, OLY, together with members of the Board of Directors, responded to an official invitation from the Embassy of Japan and attended the reception held at Hilton Nicosia in celebration of the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.

The event was hosted by the Ambassador of Japan to Cyprus, Mr. Satoshi Iwasaki, and his spouse, in the presence of representatives of the diplomatic corps and institutional officials.

During the evening, reference was made to the honorary distinction awarded to Mr. Papacostas by the Government of Japan, namely The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, one of the country’s highest honours.

The Cyprus Olympian Association places particular importance on its friendship and cooperation with the Embassy of Japan in Cyprus, within the framework of relations founded on mutual respect and Olympic values.