Present there on invitation was the art troupe of Korean schoolchildren in Japan headed by Jon Jin Song, principal of Kyusu Korean Middle and High School.

On hand were Kim Yong Chol, vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Kim Jin Guk, director of the Overseas Koreans' Affairs Administration, and officials concerned.

Kim Yong Chol said in his speech that Marshal Kim Jong Un bestowed warm loving care on the members of the art troupe of Korean schoolchildren in Japan even though he was busy leading the building of a powerful socialist country.

He expressed belief that Korean schoolchildren in Japan would prepare themselves to be pillars of the patriotic cause of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) only following the Marshal and the competent patriotic talents equipped with knowledge, good moral character and good health.

Jon Jin Song thanked Marshal Kim Jong Un for having invited the Korean children in Japan to the New Year celebration performance and shown warm loving care for them with parental affection.

He said that Korean schoolchildren in Japan would prepare themselves to be the reliable successors to the movement of Koreans in Japan and the true pillars of the patriotic movement.

Schoolchildren in Pyongyang and members of the art troupe gave a joint performance at the reception.