Monaco Japan Week, held in the Principality from October 12 to 14, was an undoubted success. Sponsored by the Japan National Tourism Organisation, the Embassy of Japan in Monaco, the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Bureau and the Monaco Japan Association, the event was a natural development from the Japan-Monaco Cultural Exchange Tea Party, which was held last year and recognised by the Japanese Embassy of Monaco and the Monegasque Government as a “Project to Commemorate 10 Years of Japan-Monaco Friendship”.
In addition to this year’s Tea Party, a drawing competition and Japanese sake tasting also took place. The Tea Party was held in the Japanese Garden, where guests were served “Suzuka Matcha”, which has been offered to Monaco’s Princely family, along with sweets. Around 200 guests attended the Tea Party including the Mayor of Monaco, Monaco’s ambassador to Japan, the Director of the Monaco Tourism Board, and other VIPs.
The drawing competition featured a total of 150 drawings by Japanese children on the theme of “Future Travel”. The judging was done during the Tea Party by the guests.
The Japanese sake tasting event was held over two days at the Condamine Market Hall in Monaco where many guests, including the Mayor, tasted three carefully selected Japanese sakes. There are plans to make Monaco Japan Week an annual event from next year.