Japanese Autumn 2026 Festival Taking Place In Kyiv

(MENAFN- UkrinForm) The event is organized by the Ukrainian-Japanese Center at Kyiv Sikorsky Polytechnic Institute, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, according to Ukrinform.

The program includes events aimed at deepening knowledge of Japan's language, history, culture, literature, and national traditions.

The program features the exhibitions History of Sumo and The Development of Sumo in Ukraine, photo exhibitions, themed displays of traditional arts (ikebana, bonsai, oshibana, temari, etc.), demonstrations and master classes in martial arts (sumo, aikido, karate, kendo, kyudo, etc.), and concerts featuring traditional instruments.

Also planned are a rakugo performance (traditional Japanese one-man theater), presentations and workshops on the Japanese language and arts, lectures on topics such as Ukrainian-Japanese business cooperation and Japanese theater, and more.

“Over the years of this war, Japan has proven itself not merely a partner, but a great and reliable friend to our people. Even during the most difficult times, it did not turn its back on our people, but did everything possible to support us technologically and even emotionally,” noted KPI Rector Andrii Melnychenko.

Yo Osumi, the newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine, in turn expressed his gratitude for the exhibitions dedicated to sumo, ikebana, and various aspects of Japan's support for Ukraine.

“I want to tell our Ukrainian friends that the Japanese people have great respect for Ukrainians. I personally have great respect for Ukrainians for the courage they show in continuing to fight every day,” the diplomat said.

Read also: Japan at UN: All those supporting Russia must be held accountabl

As reported by Ukrinform, on September 1, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Oleksandr Mishchenko accepted copies of the credentials from Yo Osumi, the newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine.

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