Garden Party 2025 (at Ambassador Aikawa’s residence)
2025/9/5
On the evening of 2 September, Ambassador Aikawa hosted a garden party at his official residence. Approximately 330 guests attended, including representatives from EU institutions, permanent representatives from EU member states, ambassadors and diplomats, experts, media representatives, and representatives from Japanese companies.
At the beginning, the first movement of ‘Sonata for Two Violins Op. 3 No. 1’ (composed by Jean-Marie Leclair) was performed by Asagi Ito, Assistant Teacher at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, and Pieter Pellens, a Professor at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp.
Next, Ambassador Aikawa delivered his opening remarks, noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Mission of Japan to the EU. He emphasised that, as demonstrated by the recent Japan-EU summit, cooperation between Japan and the EU — grounded in common values — has grown even stronger amidst various challenges, including the situation in Ukraine, and now extends across a wide range of areas such as the economy and security. He also highlighted that several EU commissioners have visited the Osaka-Kansai Expo and expressed their wishes for its success.
Next, Ambassador Aikawa delivered his opening remarks, noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Mission of Japan to the EU. He emphasised that, as demonstrated by the recent Japan-EU summit, cooperation between Japan and the EU — grounded in common values — has grown even stronger amidst various challenges, including the situation in Ukraine, and now extends across a wide range of areas such as the economy and security. He also highlighted that several EU commissioners have visited the Osaka-Kansai Expo and expressed their wishes for its success.
The programme also featured a demonstration by Sessa Takuma, an association of Aikido practitioners working in the EU institutions. The performance was introduced by its president, Mr. Maciej Popowski, Director-General at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO).
In addition to Japanese cuisine such as hand-rolled sushi and Wagyu beef, numerous food and beverage booths from Japanese companies were featured. Nissin Foods showcased cup noodles, Koike-ya presented crisps, Fuji-oil and Yoka Tomo served ramen, while Rio Brewery and Yamato Beer offered beer. Sake was also available, including selections from Cave Coop and Titulus, as well as Konishi Brewery from Hyogo Prefecture, provided by the Hyogo Paris Office and Land of Sake, allowing guests to enjoy a pairing experience of sake and food.
Booths were set up by the JNTO Paris Office to provide information on tourism in Japan, while All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) offered details on flights from Europe to Japan.
At the European External Action Service (EEAS) booth, 'Europa', the official mascot of the EU's participation in the 2025 World Expo, made a special appearance, creating a friendly atmosphere at the venue.
At the European External Action Service (EEAS) booth, 'Europa', the official mascot of the EU's participation in the 2025 World Expo, made a special appearance, creating a friendly atmosphere at the venue.