Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

This year's 49th Japan Week was held in Colmar, in the Alsace region of eastern France. Approximately 18,000 Colmar residents attended over the six-day event. It was deeply moving to be able to have a grassroots cultural exchange with the people of Colmar through the introduction of traditional Japanese performing arts and culture, and it once again demonstrated the high level of interest in Japanese culture in Colmar, France.

- Colmar, Republic of France

- Tuesday, November 12th, 2024 - Sunday, November 17th, 2024 (6 days)

- 390 participants, 17,800 visitors (total for 6 days)

The opening of the 49th Japan Week began with a performance in a historic hall that was rebuilt and remodeled by the city of Colmar from a monastery that was established in Colmar in 1310.

The "Chindon" Japanese cultural street performance by Sankanen Sendensha served as a promotional act to attract visitors, parading around the second floor of the venue, and many visitors wanted to take photos of the performers in their eye-catching costumes. By the time the event started, the prepared seats were full, and some visitors were standing. This was the first stage performance, and the grandiose and lively Japanese drumming by young people captured the attention of the audience in an instant. The third act was Fujitokai, who performed a gentle traditional Japanese dance that symbolizes the quietness of Japan, and the audience was entranced. The fourth act was the Aichi Shukutoku University Wind Orchestra, who performed a ghibli medley with ties to Colmar. The audience clapped along to the beat. The fifth act was Classic Ballet Coppelia, who combined Western classical ballet with traditional Japanese clothing to express the world of Japan. The audience was entranced by the beautiful traditional clothing. The sixth act was Fushojo, who performed a creative dance that combined Okinawan folk music and tap dancing, and invited the audience to come on stage and try out some simple dance moves. The audience on stage were also very happy and excited. Next came the Yaeyama Classical Music Study Group, who performed Okinawa folk songs in earnest, creating an ensemble of Okinawan positive energy and solid traditional music. The eighth act was the Kengishu Kamui, who had everyone glued to the stage with their overwhelming performance skills. The ninth act was the Hokkaido Ainu Upopoy from Kushiro City, who performed the atmosphere of a performance that is rare even in Japan, and the audience erupted in cheer. The ceremony that followed introduced the delegations from both countries, followed by speeches from the Mayor of Colmar and Uchida, Consul General of Japan in Strasbourg, and then the ribbon-cutting, which marked the grand opening of Japan Week.

Following the opening festival, this historic building, whose nave was constructed in 1292, is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in Alsace, and the welcome reception was held in a solemn atmosphere in this active church, the most beloved by the people of Colmar, which truly embodied the motto "Welcome to Colmar." The reception was attended by over 222 people, including 39 groups and related parties from Japan, and participants were presented with certificates of participation by the Mayor of Colmar, Acting President of the International Friendship Association, Mr. Kotani, and Consul General of Japan in Strasbourg, Mr. Uchida Hiroyuki. A commemorative photograph was taken for each group. When the groups entered the venue, the reception was held in a solemn atmosphere, with a string ensemble and chorus performance by the stage performers, the music group Touche, playing a solemn performance. The speakers also appeared from the central aisle in time with the performance, which delighted the participants. Each exhibition and theater performance group was presented with a certificate of participation, and photographs were taken. Some participants were so moved to tears that they felt they had truly participated in Japan Week. After the final stage group was presented with a prize and the photo shoot was finished, everyone was guided to the cocktail reception venue. The ceremony began with an introduction of the representatives of Japan and Colmar, France, followed by a welcome speech from the mayor of Colmar and a speech from the acting president of the International Friendship Association, Mr. Koyano. Finally, both countries exchanged commemorative gifts, and the welcome reception ended with warm applause from the attendees of both countries. After that, we moved to Caterinet, which was also the venue for the cocktail reception and exhibition, and enjoyed wine and canapes prepared by the city of Colmar, and had a pleasant time chatting. Additionally, the Colmar side introduced traditional Alsace clothing and an awards ceremony was held for groups that have been participating in Japan Week for a long time, making for a fun time at the start of Japan Week.

It seemed that French and European people have a culture of taking brochures home and sharing travel plans with their families at home.In particular, they seemed to enjoy communicating with the staff while looking at the Hokkaido brochures.

While disseminating information through the media and on social media is necessary to raise awareness, it also seems important to carefully explain things to older visitors in this way.

Although only a small number of people had visited Hokkaido, it seemed that they were able to pique their interest by explaining the distinct four seasons, seafood, local sake, hot springs, and other differences from other areas.

In particular, when we explained in the brochures about the vast natural scenery such as Mount Daisetsu and national parks, and the distance from southern to eastern Hokkaido, they were surprised to learn that there are places in Japan where such abundant nature still remains.

It was a great opportunity for many people in Colmar to learn about the charms of Hokkaido.