In 2025, Japan was visited by 42.7 million people. Its extraordinary and distinct culture, centuries-old history, and sheer sense of difference continue to fascinate and captivate. A journey to Japan offers an intense experience of a completely different world – one that is, at the same time, both dynamic and soothingly harmonious.
Maciej Rukasz
It is a country of innovation, uniquely blending futuristic modernity with deeply rooted traditions visible at almost every step. For many Europeans, one of the most striking aspects is the centuries-long continuity of numerous companies, symbolizing a deep respect for heritage and durability.
Maciej Rukasz
In March, at the invitation of EU-Japan Fest, Katarzyna Duma and Maciej Rukasz visited Tokyo to take part in the ceremony marking the handover of leadership of the EU-Japan Fest Committee to its new, 34th Chairperson. The position was assumed by Mr. Masayuki Hyodo, CEO of Sumitomo Corporation, part of the Sumitomo Group. The company currently employs over 630,000 people and has been operating for 436 years – its uninterrupted history dating back to 1590, when Sigismund III Vasa ruled in Poland.
Ryohei Tomita
The ceremony took place at the residence of the Ambassador of Finland to Japan, in the presence of representatives of diplomacy, Japanese culture and business, as well as selected European Capitals of Culture.
Ryohei Tomita
The meeting provided an opportunity to present initiatives developed through cultural exchange and cooperation with Chemnitz and Nova Gorica in 2025, as well as with the current Capitals – Trenčín and Oulu. Deputy Secretary General of the EU-Japan Fest Committee, Jiro Kogi, presented the organization’s plans for the coming years, including those related to cooperation with Lublin.
Ryohei Tomita
Ryohei Tomita
Earlier, we held individual meetings with Mr. Masayuki Hyodo at the headquarters of Sumitomo Corporation and with Ms. Mami Kataoka, Directress of the Mori Art Museum. We discussed Sumitomo’s activities in Poland and Poland’s personal involvement in supporting the families of Sumitomo staff evacuated from its Kyiv branch. We were deeply impressed by the scale of implementation of the “Triple Value” vision, which involves considering environmental, social, and economic factors in evaluating every company initiative.
Ryohei Tomita
Ryohei Tomita
Ryohei Tomita
Ryohei Tomita
Ryohei Tomita
The conversation with Ms. Kataoka, whose museum – located on the 53rd floor of a Tokyo skyscraper—is visited by over 1.5 million guests annually, focused on the experiences of the National Museum in Lublin and the potential for collaboration between institutions. Of particular interest, in the context of Mori Art Museum’s current initiatives, was the exhibition “Mówi Obraz”, curated by young people. Further meetings and study visits are already being planned in Lublin.
Ryohei Tomita
During our stay in Japan, we also visited Kamakura – Culture City of East Asia 2025 – the Tokyo Toy Museum, and Mirai Lab, a research initiative developed by Sumitomo Corporation. We also took part in meetings concerning the Polish Festival in Tokyo, which we will co-create.
Ryohei Tomita
Ryohei Tomita
The EU-Japan Fest Committee is a remarkable organization that, for over 30 years, has consistently collaborated with successive European Capitals of Culture, delivering hundreds of cultural projects that connect Europe and Asia. Our visit to Japan marks another step in strengthening this international cooperation and promoting Lublin on the global cultural map.
Ryohei Tomita
