Akita Prefecture to Hold Art Conferences and Cultural Reception in Paris to Enhance Outreach

Akita PR Division — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 15:00:00 +0900

AKITA, Japan, Nov. 6, 2026 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Akita Prefectural Government
The Akita Prefectural Government will dispatch an executive delegation led by Vice Governor Tsuyoshi Tani to Paris, France, to host an art conference at the Maison du Japon, Cite internationale universitaire de Paris, on November 10, 2026, followed by a conference and reception at the Maison de la culture du Japon a Paris (MCJP) on November 12, 2026.

Supported by the Embassy of Japan in France, this project builds on a shared artistic heritage between Akita--home to the beautiful "Festivals of Akita" (monumental oil on canvas, 1937)--and France, particularly Reims, where renowned master artist Leonard Tsuguharu Foujita designed and entirely decorated the famous Foujita Chapel, and where the Museum of Fine Arts, Reims houses an extensive collection of his works. Centered on this unique cultural connection, Akita aims to promote multi-faceted outreach and mutual exchange with France.

Through these strategic initiatives, Akita seeks to further deepen understanding of its history and aesthetics to drive inbound tourism. Simultaneously, the event will promote local specialties, including traditional crafts like Odate Magewappa (bentwood) and unique culinary treasures such as Inaniwa Udon (Japanese noodle from Akita), Kiritampo (mashed rice shaped around a stick), and Iburigakko (smoked pickle made from radish), enhancing the Akita brand's recognition throughout Europe and expanding international distribution channels.

Overview

Conference at Maison du Japon (November 10)
Location: Maison du Japon, Cite internationale universitaire de Paris (7 C boulevard Jourdan, 75014 Paris)

Akita Ranga(*) and "Festivals of Akita"--Akita's Art Meeting the West (18:00-20:00)
-Akita Ranga: A Painting Style Witnessing Regional Cultural Capital
-A Journey to Akita Invited by Leonard Tsuguharu Foujita

(*)Western-style Japanese paintings incorporating perspective and shading techniques

Conference & Reception at MCJP (November 12)
Location: 5th Floor, MCJP (101 bis, quai Jacques Chirac, 75015 Paris)

-Conference (18:00-19:05)
Akita Ranga: A Painting Style Witnessing Regional Cultural Capital
A Journey to Akita Invited by Leonard Tsuguharu Foujita

-Reception & Craft Demonstration (19:30-20:30)
Craft Demonstration: Live demonstration of national traditional craft Odate Magewappa by a master artisan

Gastronomy & Sake: Tasting of highly select local specialties (Inaniwa Udon, Kiritampo, Iburigakko) paired with premium local Japanese sake

Akita Prefecture to Dispatch Executive Promotional Mission to Taiwan and Hong Kong to Boost Tourism

Akita PR Division — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0900

AKITA, Japan, July 17, 2026 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Akita Prefectural Government
The Akita Prefectural Government has announced that a high-level delegation, led by Governor Kenta Suzuki, will embark on a promotional tour to Taiwan and Hong Kong from July 19 to 23. This strategic mission aims to stimulate inbound tourism by leveraging charter flights and to expand the export and distribution channels for Akita’s premium local products, including "Akita Beef," "Shirakami Negi" (scallions), and local Japanese sake.

1. Itinerary (Tentative)
- July 19 (Sun.)
Travel: Akita to Taipei via Taoyuan

- July 20 (Mon.)
Visits:
Tigerair Taiwan
Star Travel
Site inspection: Mayfull Fine Foods

- July 21 (Tue.)
Visits:
Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association
JIT CO., LTD.
Taiwan Farm Industry Co., Ltd.
China Airlines
Travel: Taoyuan to Hong Kong

- July 22 (Wed.)
Visits:
JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) Hong Kong Office
Local travel agencies
city'super
JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) Hong Kong Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong

- July 23 (Thu.)
Travel: Hong Kong to Akita via Haneda

2. Delegation Members (Tentative)
A total of 34 officials and business leaders will participate in the mission:
- Akita Prefectural Government (12 members): Led by the Governor and the Deputy Director General of the Tourism, Culture and Sports Department

- Akita Prefectural Assembly (2 members): Led by the Chairperson
- Tourism, Economic Organizations & Private Sectors (8 members): Includes the Chairman of the Akita Prefectural Federation of Societies of Commerce and Industry, and the President of the Akita Meat Marketing Public Corporation

- Municipalities (12 members): Representatives from the Mayor of Noshiro City, the Mayor of Oga City, the Mayor of Yurihonjo City, and the Mayor of Semboku City

法人別リリース

Akita Prefecture to Hold Art Conferences and Cultural Reception in Paris to Enhance Outreach

Akita Prefecture to Dispatch Executive Promotional Mission to Taiwan and Hong Kong to Boost Tourism