Press Conference for “Winter Wonders”

On November 9, a press conference for “Winter Wonders” (Plaisirs d'Hiver/Winter Pret) taking place from end-November to end-December in Brussels every year, was held at Halles Saint Gery. There, it was announced that Japan will be the guest country of Winter Wonders 2016, as part of the 150 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium. Following welcoming speeches from Mayor of Brussels Yvan Mayeur and from the Slovakian Ambassador, sponsor country of the Christmas tree which will be placed at the Grand Place, Ambassador Ishii gave an introduction to Japanese themed projection mapping including ukiyo-e images on Saint-Catherine’s church. According to 5 deputy-mayors from all policy areas in Brussels and others, this year’s Winter Wonders will be magnificent. It will extend over a very large area and many visitors are expected.

Winter Wonders will be held from November 26, 2016, until January 1, 2017. The Japan-themed area will be around Saint-Catherine’s church.