Japan, S. Korea Mark 60 Years of Ties thru Festival

Seoul, Oct. 12 (Jiji Press)–Japan and South Korea marked 60 years since the normalization of bilateral diplomatic relations through an annual festival to promote interactions between their citizens Sunday. The 21st edition of the festival, which began in 2005, attracted around 67,000 visitors, including families and others interested in Japanese culture and looking for travel destinations, according to the organizer. In a congratulatory speech, Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koichi Mizushima expressed hope that the festival will further enhance mutual understanding and contribute to the development of the bilateral relations. At the venue, booths of Japanese local governments showcased tourist spots and local specialties, including sake from Miyagi Prefecture. Trying the Miyagi sake, a 36-year-old South Korean working for a company expressed satisfaction and showed interest in visiting the northeastern prefecture. The Nagasaki prefectural government offered sponge cakes and Hasami ceramic ware for sale. Hiroshi Tomonaga, head of the prefecture’s Seoul office, said, “Nagasaki shares a history of Christianity, and many people come from South Korea.” The festival featured performances of traditional music and dance from both countries, along with a booth serving Japanese food such as sushi and rice balls. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]