In the 1990s, digitization and globalization progressed rapidly, ushering in an era in which art and culture were shared worldwide.
This committee was established by the business community and European ambassadors in Japan in response to a cooperation request from the Belgian government, on the occasion of organizing the European Capital of Culture in Antwerp (Belgium) in 1993. In June of the same year, the first edition of the CE Japan Fest took place in Antwerp. Since then, the committee has provided support for joint programs between Japan and Europe at the European Capital of Culture every year, based on the "Basic Policy for Activities."
Since 1993, EU-Japan Fest has supported cultural and artistic activities in 51 European Capitals of Culture from 31 countries, supporting cross-border activities of citizens and artists involved in "contributing to local communities" and "social responsibility." The goal is to contribute to the creation of a healthy global society.
The collaboration between EU-Japan Fest and the Timișoara 2023 Cultural Program was launched in 2022 and has included a series of joint activities to date:
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February 2020 - Visit of the Secretary-General of EU-Japan Fest to Timișoara, Mr. Shuji Kogi, and Mrs. Mayumi Taniguchi, and meetings with local cultural operators.
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June 2022 - Presentation of a unique performance, "The Heart of Noh Theatre," through collaboration between Yamamoto Noh Theatre and the National Theatre Timișoara.
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February 2023 - Visit of the EU-Japan Fest delegation to the Opening Event of the Timișoara Cultural Program and contribution to the development of the volunteer platform through the presence of Mrs. Mayumi Taniguchi with a group of Japanese volunteers.
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March 2023 - Participation of Mrs. Cosmina Goagea and Vice Mayor Cosmin Tabără in Tokyo at the annual meeting of the EU-Japan Fest Committee.
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July 2023 - Exchange of experience between music teachers from Bela Bartok Theoretical High School and the Senda Panflute Children's Choir in Hiroshima, Japan.
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September 2023 - International Youth Music Festival organized in Timișoara, during which the Senda Panflute Children's Choir visits Timișoara and performs together with the Bokréta Zither Ensemble from Bela Bartók Theoretical High School.