The 2nd edition of the Japanese Festival in Krotoszyn (24-25 November) brought into town distinguished guests from Okinoshima and Misato towns, the Embassy of Japan in Poland, and the Marshal Office of Wielkopolska Region in Poznan.
During the trade mission to Japan organised jointly by Krotoszyn, Okinoshima and Misato earlier in May this year, the term of a reciprocal visit in Poland by the Japanese hosts of the event had been scheduled. Following the invitation by Krotoszyn’s Mayor, Mr. Franciszek Marszałek, six guests from the Krotoszyn’s Japanese partner city Okinoshima (since 2016) had the opportunity to get a closer look at the three most important cooperation pillars: education, sports (sumo) and self-governing activity.
“We always strive to welcome visiting groups from our partner cities according to the tradition of Polish hospitality. We try to apply creativity to our actions, so this year we have proposed to our friends from Japan to take part in the second edition of the Japanese Festival in Krotoszyn. I think that this is a good occasion to find out how we – Polish people – perceive Japan. The many exhibitions gathered within the premises of Krotoszyn’s Public Library and the various organised workshops are some kind of artistic presentation of how we imagine Japan, but they also play an important role in introducing Japanese culture, tradition, history and beauty of Okinoshima to all participants” stated Franciszek Marszałek, Mayor of Krotoszyn.
Content-related supervision was provided by the Language and Culture of Japan Centre of Ryochu Umeda in Łódź, and the exhibition of samurai swords (katanas) and armors was lent out by Mr. Maciej Płotkowiak. The event was held under the honorary patronage of the Embassy of Japan in Poland. In addition, it should not be forgotten that the main sport discipline that bounds the two cities, sumo, was proudly promoted during the festival days. On 25 November, the children and youth from kindergartens and primary schools from Krotoszyn have competed in sumo tournaments organised by the Athletic Association ROZUM. Worth mentioning is the role of Krotoszyn as the seat of both the Polish and the European Sumo Federation - another proof, if needed, of the town being at the forefront as a sumo promoter in Poland and beyond. In addition to the exhibitions, various meetings were held covering a large variety of topics such as education and forestry management. Many people were sharing their experience such as entrepreneurs about good practices, or the local association of housewives presenting Polish recipes for dishes served with rice, with the possibility of tasting local products. There was also time for sightseeing along the historic streets of Krotoszyn.
Following the end of the festival, the bonds of Krotoszyn and Japan are stronger than ever, an aspect that is also reflected in the business sector. The CEO of the Las Kalisz Ltd. Co., Mr. Tomasz Tarnawski has extended an invitation to Mrs. Akane Kuroda, CEO of the Ohchi Yamakujira Co. from Misato to take a tour of Krotoszyn’s facility and see up closely how it operates. Both firms are specialised in venison meat production. The benefits of this exchange of opinions between the two CEOs will be covered in a future article in the March issue of the EU-Japan Centre’s newsletter. Stay tuned!
Source: Krotoszyn Town Hall
Delegates visit to local elementary school
Exhibition of samurai armors and traditional objects made from rice straw
Published: December 2023