Could you imagine meeting round the corner all atmosphere, sounds and flavours of an exotic Country rich in a thousand years of history and in an extraordinary biodiversity? This dream has just come true in Monaco for the second edition of Made in Japan in Monaco, the only exhibition in the Riviera entirely devoted to the most authentic Japanese culture, held from the 3rd until the 5th December 2021 at the Grimaldi Forum (Diaghilev Hall). The special expo, under the High Patronage of the Embassy of Japan in Monaco, was organized by Monaco EMU, targeted company based in Monaco with the aim of acting as a privileged intermediary among different Japanese chains of production to offer the best outcome to the Monegasque and international audience. The Office National du Tourisme Japonais (French National Tourist Office of Japan), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO Paris), CLAIR Paris (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations) and the Association Monaco Friends of Japan confirmed their support for the initiative.
The opening ceremony kicked off on the 3rd December 2021 at the sound of traditional barrel-shaped drums recalling the Sakè (rice wine) barrels evoking good divine vibrations. Louis Ducruet, President of Monaco e-Sports Federation, Eric Benchimol, Honorary Consul General of Japan, Ieaki Takeda, general director at JETRO Paris, and other distinguished representatives started this year’s kermesse, delighted by a pleasant surprise.
An inspiring Japanese music and dancing performance animated by leading artists, notably the soprano Yukako Custo, the pianist Maki Belkin, the harpist Mutsuko Cuglietta and the ballet dancer Mimoza Koike from Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo. They offered a medley of the most popular rhymes and melodies from Japan in their charming kimono dresses.
Exclusively for HelloMonaco, Louis Ducruet kindly released a few considerations: “In present times we must continue to live and do interesting things until they can be practiced; allowing all exhibitors to attend this show room gives me great satisfaction”, and he added: “I think it is the right way to give life, in the full respect of health measures, to a rendezvous that was missing in the annual programme of meetings: now Japanese culinary and clothing can join culture and art, already developed in different occasions, to offer a complete vision of Japan in Monaco”.
A series of intriguing stands showed a deep taste of Japanese Land made of exquisite delicatessen, including the famous Sakè, the Hokkaido region gin & vermouth, the Otafuku soya sauce, the Japanese Tofu and the Sayama tea production but also fine silk fabrics, metal handicraft from Tsubamesanjo district, the ancient art of bonsai as well as the unmissable Manga comics. The expo also offered visitors the opportunity to experience martial arts thanks to some workshops by the will of Monaco Karaté Club Shotokan.
“I would like to thank who made it possible to organize this exhibition with special regard to Kenji Nishiyama (director of Monaco EMU) whose strong commitment allowed to achieve this result despite the difficulties resulting from new movement restrictions; so, I am very happy to be here”, underlined Ieaki Takeda, general director at JETRO Paris – “Made in Japan in Monaco has displayed different ‘made in Japan’ products by virtue of the strong resonance that Monaco is being producing on the whole world. Japanese know Monaco very well and they are fond of this enchanting tiny territory, emblem of the Riviera glamour besides the most popular F1 Grand Prix” – “The high quality of life and the refined luxury cultural taste inspired by the Princely Family is the perfect balance to make Monaco’s inhabitants sensitive to the Japanese culture and the Japanese companies are particularly interested in settling here”, he added.
Eric Benchimol, Honorary Consul General of Japan, said to HelloMonaco: “It is great to host Made in Japan in Monaco for the second time with twice the number of exhibitors (15 in 2020 – 30 in 2021). That shows a real interest between Monaco and Japan also for its high-tech know-how in key sectors like hydrogen devices for the car industry. Moreover, a quite consistent Japanese community is based here”, then he concluded: “I think therefore there will be many other editions thanks to the smart idea developed by Monaco EMU with the French National Tourist Office of Japan and JETRO Paris, well appreciated by His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan”.
Mutual esteem and solid cooperation were the strengths of this edition of Made in Japan in Monaco raising hopes to an even narrower bridge between the Principality and Japan. A decidedly fruitful and long-lasting bond as witnessed by the zen spirit which spread in the Japanese Gardens, specially designed by the Japanese architect Yasuo Beppu to honour Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace.
To know more about Made in Japan in Monaco please visit: https://monacoemu.com/en/home-en/
