Opening Ceremony of the 160th Anniversary of Friendship between Japan and Belgium
2026/1/29
On January 27, the Belgian Federal Public Service of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation and the Embassy of Japan in Belgium co-hosted the opening ceremony of the 160th anniversary of friendship between Japan and Belgium at the Egmont Palace in Brussels. The event brought together around 250 esteemed participants, including Their Excellencies Mr. Jan Jambon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Pensions, representatives of Japanese companies, leading figures in the education and cultural fields, and His Excellency Mr. Takeshi Osuga.
The participants praised the blooming exchanges between the two countries and expressed their hope that through various events programmed this year, the two countries would rediscover the charm of the longstanding partner and the potentials of bilateral collaboration with a view to deepen the traditional friendship and further develop the strategic partnership.
The opening ceremony also captivated participants with koto performance by Ms. Aki Sato, vilolin and viola performance by Ms. Rino Yoshimoto and Mr. Takumi Nozawa, as well as with different types of sushi prepared by the chefs of the Japanese Ambassadors’ residences and selected sake.
The participants praised the blooming exchanges between the two countries and expressed their hope that through various events programmed this year, the two countries would rediscover the charm of the longstanding partner and the potentials of bilateral collaboration with a view to deepen the traditional friendship and further develop the strategic partnership.
The opening ceremony also captivated participants with koto performance by Ms. Aki Sato, vilolin and viola performance by Ms. Rino Yoshimoto and Mr. Takumi Nozawa, as well as with different types of sushi prepared by the chefs of the Japanese Ambassadors’ residences and selected sake.