(L-R): Akiko Nagamoto, Tomori Nagamoto, Toshikazu Koyama, Ryohei Soejima; Credit: Chronicle.lu

On Tuesday 28 January 2025, the economic section of the Embassy of Japan in Luxembourg hosted an event as part of a series linked with the upcoming Expo 2025 being held on Yumeshima Island in Osaka, Japan, from 13 April to 13 October 2025.

Osaka is located within the vibrant Kansai region of Japan; the event showcased the charms of Japan’s Tajima province and Hyōgo Prefecture, with the presentations covering the hidden gems of Hyōgo prefecture, Tajima province and Toyōka city.

Tajima province is known for the return to the wild of the once extinct oriental white stork thanks to local efforts. It has been selected as the Hyōgo Field Pavilion, a programme implemented within the Expo 2025 Osaka, in which residents themselves will present the appeal of the various sustainable initiatives in the prefecture.

Geopark

Special guest Toshikazu Koyama - who previously addressed an introductory event on Toyōka city at the Japanese embassy in Luxembourg last year - first screened a tourism documentary video including the impressive San'in Kaigan Geopark, an UNESCO site which also covered cultural heritage, including festivals, traditional dress, etc., as well as activity holidays from kayaking to skiing, boat tours and hiking, etc. A second short film presented a fascinating insight into the agriculture, aquaculture and viticulture sectors, from farm to table.

Ryokans

Tomori Nagamoto, President of Kobayashiya in Kinosaki Onsen, a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) with over 300 years of history over eleven generations, then talked about the unique Japanese culture of ryokans, how they differ from normal hotels and the value of cultural experiences in ryokans. He explained that it is located close to Osaka and can be reached by around two hours train ride from Tokyo. He explained that there are two main accommodation options in Japan, hotels and ryokans. For the latter, he described them as cultural gateways, i.e. multifunctional spaces, used for both sleeping and eating.

He also talked about the 53 stations of the Tokaido Road, a path from Kyoto to central Honshu, which normally took a man 14 days to walk (20 for women), with different levels of accommodation along the way. The Hatago provided basic accommodation with one hot meal; Honjin were reserved for aristocrats; and Kichin-Yado allowed guests to share rooms and cooking. During 1950-1970 Japan witnessed a rise in domestic travel at the same time as the development transport and accommodation infrastructure, with the ryokan having all facilities required for a stay; however, all ryokans became standardised and lacked character. Nowadays, local boutique ryokans / hotels have preserved traditional hospitality while catering to individual needs, with "local" the key, in terms of local materials, crafts from local artists, and local, seasonal, ingredients for cooking, etc.

He also talked about hot springs and thermal baths, with Kinosaki Onsen having no less than seven public baths. He also talked about everyday traditions, including taking off one's shoes before walking on an indoor (wooden) floor, traditional tea ceremonies and more. On dining options, he mentioned different options where they accommodate dietary restrictions.

Gyutto, Obento and Cawaii brands

A second presentation, from Ryohei Soejima of One Peace Ltd, a Gyutto and Obento brands flower ornament and Cawaii brand apparel creator selling both online and at a retail facility near Osaka airport. Whatawon, a cashless commercial facility near Osaka airport, opened last May. The new venue is pet-friendly unlike many places in Japan that discourage dogs, etc. Its cuisine includes dishes from all around Japan.

He talked about their fashion culture which includes recycling fabrics that have previously been used, as well as following fashion trends around the world. The Obento surprise boxes, intended for interior decoration and for gifts, are made of local wood and have different compartments in which each component has its own meaning.

The event concluded with a networking reception.

Such information will be available at the Japanese stand at the Belle Etoile Shopping Centre from 29 January 2025 for two weeks, with the speakers in attendance for the first week.