The annual meeting of the General Committee of the non-profit organization EU-Japan Fest was held at the residence of the Irish Ambassador in Tokyo, which was dedicated to presenting the activities of this NPO in terms of strengthening ties with European Capitals of Culture.

 

The meeting was attended by members of the Committee, which includes ambassadors from countries with European Capitals of Culture and the leadership of Japanese corporations that support the activities of the EU-Japan Fest.

 

The positive and important role of the EU-Japan Fest in strengthening cultural exchange and Japan's ties with Europe was emphasized in the speeches. The results achieved during 30 years of work and cooperation with the European Capitals of Culture, through which several tens of thousands of artists have been featured, were praised. It was assessed that, in times of challenges such as a pandemic, attention should be paid to culture and art, and work should be done to overcome global challenges through this type of projects. Satisfaction was also expressed due to the cooperation with Novi Sad, as well as the desire, especially of the Japanese representatives, to visit it.

 

In her address, Ambassador Kovac promoted the selection of Novi Sad as the European Capital of Culture, as the first city from an EU candidate country to be selected. She introduced its concept and major projects, as well as previously won awards in Europe. She expressed satisfaction that, despite the delay, the year in which the title is realized (2022) coincides with the celebration of important anniversaries - 140 years of friendship between Serbia and Japan and 30 years of EU-Japan Fest. Promotional and video messages sent by the Novi Sad 2022 team were broadcast at the event.

 

 

©Brian Scott Peterson