Cultural event at the European Parliament
2025/5/16
On Tuesday 13 May, the Mission of Japan to the European Union co-organised an event in collaboration with the office of Member of the European Parliament Adam Bielan, Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Japan (D-JP). The gathering formed part of the broader celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Japan-EU friendship.
The event started with opening remarks by MEP Adam Bielan and Ambassador Aikawa. Prior to the main programme, Ambassador Aikawa met with members of the Delegation for Relations with Japan to brief them ahead of their upcoming visit to Tokyo for the 42nd Interparliamentary Meeting, as well as to World Expo Osaka 2025. In his address, the Ambassador emphasised the strength and enduring importance of Japan-EU relations.
The event started with opening remarks by MEP Adam Bielan and Ambassador Aikawa. Prior to the main programme, Ambassador Aikawa met with members of the Delegation for Relations with Japan to brief them ahead of their upcoming visit to Tokyo for the 42nd Interparliamentary Meeting, as well as to World Expo Osaka 2025. In his address, the Ambassador emphasised the strength and enduring importance of Japan-EU relations.
The cultural programme began with a musical performance of Haru no Umi (‘The Sea in Spring’) by Ms. Aki Sato on koto and Ms. Akiko Okawa on violin.
This was followed by a chadō (Japanese tea ceremony) demonstration by representatives of the Urasenke Tanko-kai Belgium. The ceremony offered guests a rare insight into a centuries-old cultural tradition that continues to shape Japanese aesthetics. Attendees were invited to taste the tea, accompanied by traditional Japanese sweets.
This was followed by a chadō (Japanese tea ceremony) demonstration by representatives of the Urasenke Tanko-kai Belgium. The ceremony offered guests a rare insight into a centuries-old cultural tradition that continues to shape Japanese aesthetics. Attendees were invited to taste the tea, accompanied by traditional Japanese sweets.
As the sun started to set over the European Parliament, guests enjoyed a reception featuring sushi and sake, bringing the evening to a warm and convivial close.
