Press Releases
Japan House London Grand Opening
2. Representing the British Royal Family, His Royal Highness, The Duke of Cambridge attended the event, while H.E. Mr. Taro Aso, Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Kentaro Sonoura, Adviser to the Prime Minister, and Mr. Iwao Horii, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs attended from Japan.
3. The attendees visited the exhibition ‘Biology of Metal: Metal Craftsmanship in Tsubame-Sanjo,’ which is currently open to the public at Japan House London
, and experienced the metalworking techniques of the Tsubame-Sanjo region of Niigata prefecture as well as having the exchange opportunity with local school children who took part in the workshop. In addition, the grand opening ceremony introduced the “Japan-UK Season of Culture,” which coincides with the Rugby World Cup in Japan next year.
4. During the grand opening ceremony which followed, Deputy Prime Minister Aso made an address welcoming His Royal Highness, The Duke of Cambridge to Japan House London. His Royal Highness, The Duke of Cambridge expressed his sincere condolences to the victims of the recent dreadful disasters in Japan, and spoke about the further development of UK-Japan relations, including in cultural and people-to-people exchange. He also commented on a collaboration in the Japan-UK Season of Culture and further cooperation on the global issue including tackling the illegal trade of wildlife. Then the grand opening of Japan House London was declared.
Notes: Japan House
Presenting the various appeals and policies of the country, Japan House is a brand new hub which aims to broaden the base of those who are well-versed or have an interest in Japan. While offering a “one-stop-service” where a wide variety of information on Japan can be found, along with a Japanese restaurant and retail floor, it aims to promote Japan as a whole from the dynamism of private companies to the charms of the countryside. Furthermore, through utilizing the knowledge of experts, it is designed to address in detail the local needs and resonate with the local people.Notes: Japan-UK Season of Culture 2019-20
Based on the agreement（PDF）
between the Prime Ministers of Japan and the UK in August 2017, the “Japan-UK Season of Culture 2019-20” bridges the Rugby World Cup 2019 and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Japan will organize the Japan Season of Culture in the UK, and the UK will oversee the UK Season of Culture in Japan in parallel.
The Japan Season of Culture in the UK will showcase Japan’s multi-faceted appeal, from its culture and art to innovation and cutting-edge technology in areas such as medicine, science and industry. By building on various areas of grassroots exchange and local community activities that already exist, we hope to create a legacy that will endure in its aftermath.