Ommegang Press Conference

On June 1, a press conference concerning “Ommegang(*)”, a historical parade organized annually in July, was held at the Coudenberg archeological site. There, it was announced that as part of the celebrations of 150 years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium, this year’s edition will feature Japan as the country of honor. Following the explanation by the Ommegang organization, Ambassador Ishii stated that a group of people wearing Japanese costumes of the 16th century (Warring States Period) will also be joining the parade and that he himself also intends to take part. Ommegang will take place on July 5 and 7.

（*）The word “ommegang” is an old Flemish word meaning “to walk around in a circle” and is a type of procession which was organized as a welcoming ceremony for Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire and his son Philip at the time of their visit to Brussels in 1594. It is now again held as a recurring event.