Opening Japanese Garden in Hasselt

On March 30, this year’s opening of the Japanese Garden in Hasselt was held, and attended by Ambassador Hayashi. Following a welcome address by the Mayor of Hasselt Mr. Steven Vandeput, Ambassador Hayashi stated he was delighted to see the celebration of the coming of spring, by enjoying the cherry blossoms at the Japanese Garden in Hasselt, sister city of Itami, that coincide with the cherry blossoms in Japan now in full bloom, a situation symbolizing the friendship relations between Japan and Belgium. Following the speeches, the concert “Kojiki” was held by Belgian group Feniks Taiko and Japanese wadaiko group Bonten, in collaboration with Ms. Chieko Kojima of KODO. Under the nightly cherry blossoms, the audience was overwhelmed by the dynamic performance on stage. Prior to the ceremony, Ambassador Hayashi, together with Mayor Vandeput, went to see the exhibition “90 days of light”, currently being held at the Japanese Garden by young artist Michiko Van de Velde.

© Michele DC