TOKYO: Datin Josephine Dagang was at a loss for words when she was informed that the King and Queen of Malaysia wanted to have breakfast at the residence of the Malaysian ambassador to Japan on Wednesday.
The wife of ambassador Datuk Kennedy Jawan was a little nervous cooking for Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah because Tunku Azizah “is a good cook herself”.
Nevertheless, Josephine whipped up a variety of Malaysian dishes, including nasi lemak, beef rendang, sotong masak kicap, udang masak lemak, fried noodles, kuih lapis, seri muka and curry puffs. They were prepared by Malaysians in Japan.
“I was worried that the food may not meet the taste of Their Majesties because I am not a
great cook. I am really impressed by Tunku Azizah’s culinary talent. Her Majesty has even published cookbooks and I have tried some of her amazing recipes.
“However, I boldly seized the rare opportunity as it is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to cook for the King and Queen,” she told Bernama at the residence.
Josepine said she was informed Tuesday evening of Their Majesties’ visit and she quickly sought the assistance of Malaysians and their wives living here.
Kennedy said he had extended an invitation to Al-Sultan Abdullah for Their Majesties to have breakfast at his residence and was surprised that the King accepted his invitation straightaway.
Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah have been here since Monday at the invitation of
the Japanese government to attend the enthronement of the 126th
Emperor of Japan, Emperor Naruhito, at the Imperial Palace here Tuesday.
Emperor Naruhito, 59, succeeded his father, Emperor Akihito, on May 1 after the latter abdicated due to health reasons.
Naruhito’s ascension to the throne will mark the start of a new era in Japan known as Reiwa which means harmony and order.
Akihito’s era since 1989 was known as Heisei which means achieving peace. – Bernama
