Flower Carpet 2016

From 12-15 August, the biennial Flower Carpet event was held on the Brussels Grand Place. On the occasion of the 150 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium, the theme of this edition was Japan.

Starting at 5AM on 12 August, many volunteers, including Japanese, worked together to make the carpet, which was finished before noon. In the evening, a reception was held at the Brussels city hall. During the reception, Deputy-Mayor of the city of Brussels Mr. Philippe Close, Member of the House of Representatives and secretary-general of the Japan-Belgium Parliamentary League Mr. Mito Kakizawa as well as Ambassador Ishii, gave speeches. Following this, the commemorative cake was cut by the prominent attendees, including the head of the secretariat and the designers of the flower carpet. Finally, a light and sound show with fireworks coloured the whole flower carpet and its surroundings, marking a befitting opening of one of the major events of the 150 Years of Friendship between Belgium and Japan.

On August 15, the orchestra and taiko-drummers of the military training ship Kashima of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) held a special performance on the Grand Place, attracting many visitors.