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