The "Days of Japan" event was opened for the first time in Kragujevac with an opening ceremony held in Veliki Park. The event aims to bring the Japanese tradition and art closer to the citizens of Kragujevac through rich and diverse cultural content intended for all ages. The opening ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Kragujevac Mr. Nikola Dašić, H.E. Mr. Imamura Akira, Ambassador of Japan to Serbia, the representatives of the diplomatic corps, cultural institutions and numerous citizens.

At the opening ceremony, Mayor Dašić emphasized that for the City of Kragujevac it is a great honor and pleasure to host such an event. The Serbian people know and appreciate the virtues of the Japanese people – their courage, culture and dedication. Mayor Dašić noted that the year 2022 marked 140 years of diplomatic relations between Serbia and Japan, which began with a correspondence between King Milan Obrenović and Emperor Meiji. He expressed hope that such events would inspire new friendships, cooperation, and mutual learning.

The Ambassador of Japan to Serbia, H.E. Mr. Imamura Akira, addressing the audience in Serbian, expressed his gratitude to the city and the organizers for the warm welcome. This event symbolizes cultural exchange and friendship between our peoples. We are honored that for the first time the Embassy of Japan is organizing a cultural event in Kragujevac. I hope that the "Days of Japan" will inspire lasting dialogue and strengthen ties between Japan and Serbia. Politeness and respect, as the foundations of our tradition, are precisely the values ​​we wish to share, concluded Ambassador Imamura.

In the artistic part of the program, the audience was presented with the Children's Choir "Mali Lyceum", haiku poetry performers, musicians and dancers. A traditional Japanese tea ceremony was also held. A demonstration of the Japanese martial arts (judo and kendo) attracted particular attention. In addition to the stage program, workshops for children and promotional stands with Japanese-themed content were organized.

The event will continue on Saturday, August 30, at the house of Đura Jakšić with the exhibition "Kintsugi - a New Beginning", as well as with lectures on the Japanese language, mythology and Zen philosophy. The final program will be marked by a musical performance by the Japanese artist Fumiko Takeshita, who will perform on the accordion.

The event is organized by the Serbian-Japanese Friendship Association "Kintsugi", with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Serbia and the City of Kragujevac. Previously, the Ambassador of Japan to Serbia, H.E. Mr. Imamura Akira, and the Head of the Japan International Cooperation Agency Office, Mr. Fukuda Hajime, were guests of the Mayor of Kragujevac Mr. Nikola Dašić, Prof. Dr. Nenad Stanišić and Mr. Predrag Stevović at the City Hall.