Monaco–Japan: diplomacy, gastronomy and music on the agenda to celebrate ten years of diplomatic relations

H.E. Mr Patrick Médecin and the orchestra conductor Tomomi Nishimoto©DR

H.E. Mr Patrick Médecin, Monaco’s Ambassador to Japan, and the Tourist and Convention Authority jointly conducted a promotional campaign in Japan from 16 to 20 May 2016, as a prelude to the launch of a series of events to mark the tenth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

These promotional events, aimed at tourism professionals, opinion leaders and the press, were focused on Monegasque gastronomy and culture, showcased by Dominique Lory, executive chef of Louis XV –Alain Ducasse at the Hotel de Paris, and by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra.

A press lunch attended by the Ambassador, H.E. Mr Patrick Médecin, and Deputy Director of Tourism and Conventions Mr Guy Antognelli and his team, was held at Beige, Alain Ducasse’s restaurant in Tokyo, providing an opportunity to present the programme of events organised to celebrate the diplomatic relations between the two countries, set to run until the end of the year.

The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra toured the country’s main cities. Following a concert in Tokyo on 18 May, a reception was organised by the Ambassador and the Tourist and Convention Authority. Numerous Japanese and international personalities attended the event, as well as a group of Friends of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra on a visit to Japan.

At the reception, H.E. Mr Patrick Médecin highlighted the fact that the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra was led by Japanese conductor Tomomi Nishimoto.

In mid-July, the Little Singers of Monaco will perform in Nagasaki, Yokohama and Tokyo. Then, Mimosa Koike, a Japanese ballerina with the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, and her dancer/choreographer compatriots will present their work at the New National Theatre of Japan in Tokyo as part of Logoscope’s JAPON Dance Project.

Finally, a Princess Grace exhibition will be opened at the beginning of September in Tokyo. It will subsequently be presented in several other Japanese cities until the end of next year.