As the relations between Japan and Korea deteriorate due to the stricter lawsuits for ex-collection and exports to Korea, the annual cultural exchange event “Japan-Korea Exchange Festival” sponsored by the Japanese and Korean governments will be held at a complex facility in Seoul on the 1st. opened. Although the scale was smaller than usual, it was crowded with young people and families.
Officials from both governments attended the opening ceremony. The second minister of Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lee Tae-hwa, called for dialogue, saying, “Both countries have wisely overcome each time they have difficulties,” pointing out that both countries have various concerns. Mr. Kenkazu Suzuki emphasized that “personal exchanges are important even if politics and diplomacy worsen”.
The most popular venue was a commemorative photo with Japanese kimono and yukata. "Takeki Motomoto, 39, a housewife who took a picture with two children, said," Leaders in both countries are not in conflict, and I want to find a way for the people to live together. "
In the venue, a local government in Japan has set up a booth to attract tourism. Mr. Daisei Miyazaki of Nagasaki Prefecture, Director of the Overseas Federation of Tourism Federation, said, “The impact on the local economy is getting worse, and I hope that the relationship will improve soon.” The county said that visitors from South Korea, which accounted for 55% of foreign tourists, dropped sharply after July.
The “Omatsuri” has been held in Seoul since 2005 to realize the spirit of the “Japan-Korea Partnership Declaration” by Prime Minister Keizo Kominato and former Korean President Kim Dae-Jung, who sought to invigorate cultural exchange between Japan and Korea. It has been held every year in Tokyo since 2009.
This time, Japan and South Korea relations were said to be "worst since normalization of diplomatic relations" and it was threatened to hold, but strengthening safety measures such as arranging many police officers inside and outside the venue and inspecting luggage at the entrance I was able to hold it. For safety reasons, “Yosakoi Arirang”, where participants from Japan and Korea dance together, has been cancelled.
“Festival” will be held in Tokyo on 28th and 29th. (Seoul = Takeda)
