Israel's ambassador to Japan, Gilad Cohen, hosted a ceremony on Thursday to light Hannukah's second night's candles.
Cohen hosted senior members of the Japanese Parliament, community leaders, prominent business figures, and cultural icons.
Israel and Japan have shared diplomatic relations for 72 years.
“This year, with 100 hostages still held in Gaza, we fervently pray for their swift release,” Cohen said.
Last year, the embassy hosted hostage families
Last year, the Israeli embassy in Japan hosted three hostage families in Tokyo, including Noa Argamani’s father, Yaakov. In August, Noa herself visited the embassy.
This year’s event featured an art exhibition by the children of the Shalva Center – an organization that provides services and support for people with disabilities – many of whom have been displaced due to the war.
“We are grateful to the Shalva organization for their unwavering efforts to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, amplifying the voices of children with disabilities in Japan and sharing their painful experiences following the events of October 7," Ambassador Cohen said. "The art of Shalva’s children is a vivid reminder that even in the darkest moments, beauty, creativity, and light can emerge."