23 June 2026: “Japanese Evening” Reception Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Japan’s Accession to UNESCO
2026/6/23
On June 23, Ambassador Kano hosted “Japanese Evening” reception at the Maison de la Culture du Japon à Paris (MCJP), commemorating the 75th anniversary of Japan’s accession to UNESCO. Approximately 100 people attended the event, including Director-General of UNESCO, H.E. Prof. Khaled El-Enany, the 10th Director-General of UNESCO H.E. Ms. Irina Bokova, Ambassadors of Permanent Delegations to UNESCO, officials from the UNESCO Secretariat, and Japanese residents in Paris.
The first part of the event featured a taiko drum performance by the French group PARIS TAIKO ENSEMBLE. A video tracing Japan’s history with UNESCO wss screened, including footage from the UNESCO archives that had been digitized with Japan’s support. We also screened a compilation of highlights from World Heritage sites around the world, filmed over the past 30 years during the production of the TV program “World Heritage,” provided by TBS Television.
In his remarks, Ambassador Kano reflected on Japan’s 75 years of contributions to UNESCO and emphasized Japan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with UNESCO in the fields of education, science, culture, and information and communication. Ms. Lydia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations of UNESCO, also delivered remarks on behalf of the UNESCO Secretariat.
In the second part of the event, Japanese sake was served by the Kura Master Association, which has been hosting competitions for sake and other traditional Japanese alcoholic beverages in Paris since 2017, and a tea ceremony was organized by the Urasenke Konnichian Association, to provide guests with Japanese cultural experiences.
Speech by Ambassador Kano (in English)
Speech by Ambassador Kano (in French)
Speech by Ambassador Kano (in English and French)
The first part of the event featured a taiko drum performance by the French group PARIS TAIKO ENSEMBLE. A video tracing Japan’s history with UNESCO wss screened, including footage from the UNESCO archives that had been digitized with Japan’s support. We also screened a compilation of highlights from World Heritage sites around the world, filmed over the past 30 years during the production of the TV program “World Heritage,” provided by TBS Television.
In his remarks, Ambassador Kano reflected on Japan’s 75 years of contributions to UNESCO and emphasized Japan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with UNESCO in the fields of education, science, culture, and information and communication. Ms. Lydia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations of UNESCO, also delivered remarks on behalf of the UNESCO Secretariat.
In the second part of the event, Japanese sake was served by the Kura Master Association, which has been hosting competitions for sake and other traditional Japanese alcoholic beverages in Paris since 2017, and a tea ceremony was organized by the Urasenke Konnichian Association, to provide guests with Japanese cultural experiences.
Speech by Ambassador Kano (in English)
Speech by Ambassador Kano (in French)
Speech by Ambassador Kano (in English and French)