Reconstruction minister Tsuyoshi Takagi (third from left) shakes hands with the Speaker of the Lithuanian parliament Loreta Grauziniene at a reception in her honor at the Lithuanian Embassy on March 2. They were joined by (from left) Andrius Kubilius, former Lithuanian prime minister; Egidijus Meilunas, ambassador of Lithuania; Gediminas Kirkilas, former Lithuanian prime minister; Lithuanian parliament members Irena Siauliene and Dangute Mikutiene; and Minister of Energy Rokas Masiulis. | LITHUANIAN EMBASSY
Reconstruction minister Tsuyoshi Takagi (third from left) shakes hands with the Speaker of the Lithuanian parliament Loreta Grauziniene at a reception in her honor at the Lithuanian Embassy on March 2. They were joined by (from left) Andrius Kubilius, former Lithuanian prime minister; Egidijus Meilunas, ambassador of Lithuania; Gediminas Kirkilas, former Lithuanian prime minister; Lithuanian parliament members Irena Siauliene and Dangute Mikutiene; and Minister of Energy Rokas Masiulis. | LITHUANIAN EMBASSY

Christopher Clark (fourth from right), general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Osaka, poses with chefs from the Hanagatami restaurant at a press party on March 3, the day before the Japanese restaurant reopened. | HIROKO INOUE
Christopher Clark (fourth from right), general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Osaka, poses with chefs from the Hanagatami restaurant at a press party on March 3, the day before the Japanese restaurant reopened. | HIROKO INOUE

Economy, Trade and Industry Vice Minister Tsuyoshi Hoshino (second from right) poses with winners of the first Nippon Quest Awards at Marugoto Nippon in Asakusa, Tokyo, on March 4. The awards are given to people who spread information about unique regional items on the Nippon Quest website. (From left)
Economy, Trade and Industry Vice Minister Tsuyoshi Hoshino (second from right) poses with winners of the first Nippon Quest Awards at Marugoto Nippon in Asakusa, Tokyo, on March 4. The awards are given to people who spread information about unique regional items on the Nippon Quest website. (From left) "Food Specialty" winner Dainari Goka, who won for Halal Gyoza by Nikkoken; "Goods Specialty" winner Seiichi Kimoto, who won for Raven Edo Kiriko; and "Activity Specialty" winner Genrokuro Matsunaga, who won for visiting a Japanese sword smith. | YOSHIAKI MIURA

Corporate and government representatives prepare to cut the ribbon at Foodex Japan 2016 (the 41st International Food and Beverage Exhibition) at Makuhari Messe, Chiba Prefecture, on March 8. Exhibitors represent 1,262 domestic companies and 1,935 overseas companies from 78 countries. | YOSHIAKI MIURA
Corporate and government representatives prepare to cut the ribbon at Foodex Japan 2016 (the 41st International Food and Beverage Exhibition) at Makuhari Messe, Chiba Prefecture, on March 8. Exhibitors represent 1,262 domestic companies and 1,935 overseas companies from 78 countries. | YOSHIAKI MIURA

British Ambassador Timothy Hitchens (center), embassy staff and participants pose in front of the U.K. pavilion. | YOSHIAKI MIURA
British Ambassador Timothy Hitchens (center), embassy staff and participants pose in front of the U.K. pavilion. | YOSHIAKI MIURA

Philippine Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez (10th from left) poses with participants and embassy staff in front of the Philippines pavilion. | YOSHIAKI MIURA
Philippine Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez (10th from left) poses with participants and embassy staff in front of the Philippines pavilion. | YOSHIAKI MIURA