Summer Festival Japan (Place de la Bourse）
2025/7/8
On Sunday 6th July, Mission of Japan to the EU together with NIHONJINKAI (Association Japonaise en Belgique), hosted the “Summer Festival Japan” (link to flyer) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Mission at Place de la Bourse. Despite heavy rain throughout the day, the festival attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd.
At the event's opening ceremony, Ambassador Kazutoshi AIKAWA delivered opening remarks, expressing gratitude for the friendship and support the Mission has received and expressing his hope for continued cooperation.
To celebrate the festival, a Kagami-biraki (barrel-opening ceremony) was held. Participants included Ambassador AIKAWA, Mr. Noboru OGASA (President, Nihonjinkai), Ambassador Masahiro MIKAMI (Embassy of Japan in Belgium), and Ms. Paola PAMPALONI (Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific, European External Action Service).
To celebrate the festival, a Kagami-biraki (barrel-opening ceremony) was held. Participants included Ambassador AIKAWA, Mr. Noboru OGASA (President, Nihonjinkai), Ambassador Masahiro MIKAMI (Embassy of Japan in Belgium), and Ms. Paola PAMPALONI (Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific, European External Action Service).
The festival showcased Japanese culture through a variety of engaging activities. Numerous stands offered not only a diverse selection of delicious Japanese food and drinks, but also cultural experiences and introduction to products and technologies of some Japanese companies present in Belgium/Europe. Moreover, there were many lively stage performances throughout the afternoon.
Happening just before the Japanese Star Festival (“Tanabata”), the participants enjoyed the tradition of writing their wishes on colorful strips of paper and hanging them on bamboo branches, which added a unique and festive ambiance.