Tartu 2024 hosted friends from Japan. Cultural exchange continues beyond the title year

The aim of EU-Japan Fest is to provide talented artists with opportunities to develop their work and perform on the international stage. Since Tartu and South Estonia carried the European Capital of Culture title last year, this became the starting point for close cooperation between Estonia and Japan.

Among the visitors to Estonia was Mr. Toshiaki Higashihara, former president of EU-Japan Fest and head of the Japanese corporation Hitachi. During his tenure, a number of major initiatives reached the European Capital of Culture, including Mr. Ryoji Ikeda’s popular solo exhibition and concert with the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, as well as the performance of a Japanese children’s choir in Tartu.

“Thanks to the support of EU-Japan Fest, we were able to carry out projects within Tartu 2024 that otherwise would not have been possible,” noted former Tartu 2024 CEO Mr. Kuldar Leis, who hosted the Japanese delegation.

The EU-Japan Fest delegation visited Tartu City Government, the University of Tartu, and the Estonian National Museum, and attended a joint concert of Estonian and Japanese children’s choirs. In Tallinn, they met with Prime Minister Mr. Kristen Michal and Mr. Kuldar Leis. The Japanese guests emphasised that Estonia combines advanced digital development with a deeply cultural and nature-oriented way of life – values that make Estonia and Japan remarkably close.

“You have a very good environment for education and start-ups,” Higashihara said of Estonia, adding that he intends to return for a longer stay in a couple of years – including a visit to a traditional South Estonian smoke sauna. According to the delegation, they wish to continue strengthening the cultural bridge between Estonia and Japan even after the Capital of Culture year.

Read the full interview with EU-Japan Fest’s former president Higashihara in Postimees.