Garden Party Hosted by the Ambassador of the Mission of Japan to the European Union in 2026 (at the Ambassador's Residence)
2026/9/11
On the evening of September 8, 2026, Ambassador Aikawa of the Mission of Japan to the European Union hosted a garden party at the Ambassador's Residence, inviting representatives from EU institutions, diplomatic missions, and others. This highly successful event, held on the occasion of Ambassador Aikawa's departure from his post, welcomed approximately 450 guests. These included representatives from the European Commission, the European Parliament, Permanent Representatives of EU Member States, members of the diplomatic corps, experts, media representatives, cultural figures, and representatives from Japanese companies in Brussels.
The event commenced with a saxophone quartet performance by Mr. Masahiro Araki (soprano saxophone), Mr. Havasi Kristóf János (alto saxophone), Mr. Valentijn Lievens (tenor saxophone), and Ms. Mio Sugimoto (baritone saxophone), active saxophonists in Belgium and France.
Following this, Ambassador Aikawa delivered a speech. He expressed strong expectations for cooperation in "Horizon Europe," with which Japan became associated, and underscored the need for continued dialogue concerning the EU's Industrial Acceleration Act (IAA), from the perspective of further advancing Japan-EU relations. On the occasion of his departure, Ambassador Aikawa also reflected on his tenure, stating that what he will remember the most is not the institutions themselves, certainly not the regulations or directives, but rather the people. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude by stating that “getting to know so many of you whether in the European institutions, in the Member States, in the diplomatic community, in business, academia, civil society and, of course, in my neighborhood, has been a real pleasure and a great privilege”. (Full text of Ambassador Aikawa’s Speech (English))
The event commenced with a saxophone quartet performance by Mr. Masahiro Araki (soprano saxophone), Mr. Havasi Kristóf János (alto saxophone), Mr. Valentijn Lievens (tenor saxophone), and Ms. Mio Sugimoto (baritone saxophone), active saxophonists in Belgium and France.
Following this, Ambassador Aikawa delivered a speech. He expressed strong expectations for cooperation in "Horizon Europe," with which Japan became associated, and underscored the need for continued dialogue concerning the EU's Industrial Acceleration Act (IAA), from the perspective of further advancing Japan-EU relations. On the occasion of his departure, Ambassador Aikawa also reflected on his tenure, stating that what he will remember the most is not the institutions themselves, certainly not the regulations or directives, but rather the people. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude by stating that “getting to know so many of you whether in the European institutions, in the Member States, in the diplomatic community, in business, academia, civil society and, of course, in my neighborhood, has been a real pleasure and a great privilege”. (Full text of Ambassador Aikawa’s Speech (English))
Subsequently, demonstrations of Japanese martial arts were presented. These included a performance of Japanese Kendo forms by Wakakoma Kenshikai, a Kendo organization active in Belgium, followed by demonstrations of Japanese Naginata, including Shikake-Ōji (a basic form), Zen Nihon Kata (a more advanced form), and armoured combat by the Forêt de Soignes Naginata Club, a Naginata organization also active in Belgium.
To promote the appeal of Japanese food and culinary culture, a live demonstration of Nigiri Sushi was performed by executive chefs, Mr. Arima from the Mission of Japan to the EU and Mr. Ishii from the Embassy of Japan in Belgium. Japanese dishes such as Maki Sushi, Yakitori, Karaage, and Tamagoyaki were served, as well as beef BBQ. A number of food and drink booths were also set up by Japanese companies and organizations. These included Miso Ramen with vegetarian Dashi (soup stock) provided by Fuji Oil and Yokatomo, a probiotic beverage by Yakult, and a variety of sake from Saga Prefecture, Land of Sake, Cave Coop, and Titulus.
Furthermore, to promote tourism to Japan and introduce the charms of its regions, booths were set up by All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) to showcase flights from Europe to Japan, and by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Paris Office and the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) Paris Office, which provided a range of tourism information on Japan.
Despite the fickle weather in Belgium at this time of year, with light rain intermittently falling, the Ambassador had the pleasure of welcoming even more guests than in previous years. Amidst a lively atmosphere, active exchanges took place among the attendees, including the Ambassador, ahead of his departure from the post.