Japan, South Korea cultural exchange event held in S Korea

SEOUL Mainichi - One of the largest Japan and South Korea cultural exchange events aimed at promoting friendship between the two countries was held here on 25 September.

Due to the coronaviruses, the 2022 Nikkan Koryu Omatsuri festival was held in an online format for the past two years, but this year it was held face-to- face under the theme of the joy of seeing each other again. At the opening ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koichi Aiboshi said: "On the Japanese side, we are positively accepting South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's strong intention to improve Japan-South Korea relations. This has resulted in closer communication between the two countries. Visitors could sample tea from Japan and South Korea, experience ikebana flower arrangement, and visit booths set up by municipal governments and companies from both countries. There were also concerts by musicians and students, which attracted a large number of people.

A 24 year-old university student dressed in an anime costume, said I was sad when the event was held online, so I was very happy to participate in the face-to-face celebration this time. The festival is held annually in Tokyo and Seoul. On September 24 in Tokyo, the event was held in an online format for the third consecutive year, taking into account the impact of the coronaviruses.