This just in from the mayor's office.

The mayor will be holding a very special photo op tomorrow morning RIGHT NOW! Here's the details:


WHAT:
A flag raising ceremony to honor the Emperor of Japan’s birthday and to celebrate Portland’s relationship with Japan.

WHEN
Dec. 23, 2009
9:00 a.m.

WHERE
Outside Portland City Hall's main entrance entrance (1221 SW Fourth Avenue)

It's the Emperor of Japan's birthday! The mayor of a liberal American city must celebrate his divine rule! Mercury Art Director Scrappers rounded up this birthday card for his highness:

America loves you Emperor of Japan!
  • America loves you Emperor of Japan!

okay, so here's the "WHY" from the mayor's office on why we celebrate the Emperor's birthday:


WHY
In existence for more than 100 years, the Consulate General of Japan is the oldest Japanese Consulate on the West Coast and a tremendous resource and cultural asset for Portland. For the first time, Portland will be raising the Japanese flag next to the American flag, an honor accorded only to countries with full diplomatic missions in Portland. We are carefully following international protocol on flags and are happy to join other cities, like San Francisco, in acknowledging that the Japanese National Day marks the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.