Friendship between & 150YEARS OF

MESSAGES

02 His Majesty 04 Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan 06 Mr. , Prime Minister of Belgium 07 Count 08 Mr. Masafumi Ishii, Ambassador of Japan to Belgium 09 Mr. Gunther Sleeuwagen, Ambassador of Belgium to Japan KINGDOM OF BELGIUM Professor Gilbert Declerck, BJA President Federal Public Service 10

L’UNIO CHT N MA F KT A A IT A M L T A H E C FORCE ENDRA Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Mr. Koji Waki, President of Nihonjinkai in Belgium Development Cooperation 10

HISTORY

11 The Japanese Tower of , Ms. Nathalie Vandeperre 12 The History of Belgium - Japan Relations Professor Willy Vande Walle

INFORMATION

18 Event Calendar 22 Sponsors © Jean-Pol Lejeune

Let us make this anniversary a joyful celebration throughout the year 2016 © Belgian Royal Palace – Photo Christian Lambiotte

hen Japan and Belgium Personal relations between the It is therefore with particular signed their first treaty of Imperial Family of Japan and my own pleasure that I assume, together with friendship, trade and navi- Family have been a part of this close His Majesty the , gation in 1866, Belgium was friendship between our countries the honorary presidency of the cele- still a young country, busily ever since the Prince, the brations of the 150th anniversary of Wdeveloping its international rela- future Showa Emperor, was received the friendship between Belgium and tions, and Japan was newly opening in Belgium by my great grandfather, Japan. Let us make this anniversary itself to the world. They viewed each King Albert I, in 1921. I personally an occasion of joyful celebration other as exotic and very far away, have had the opportunity to visit throughout the year 2016, as well but considered that a closer relation- Japan on many occasions, including as a stepping stone for yet further ship would create new opportunities as head of several economic and intensification of our relations in the to the benefit of both countries. trade missions. These trips to Japan decades to come. Since then, over a period of 150 have allowed me to fully appreci- years, exchanges in the most varied ate the depth of its culture and the fields have been intense and led to a strength of the bond between our strong and mature friendship. two countries.

His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium

2 3 Together with Against the backdrop of Japan World Heritage site, with a and Belgium’s bountiful culturally Japan-themed flower petal carpet. fertile soils, the turning point by the I invite you all to come and visit Prime Minister Michel, name of “150 Years of Friendship these gorgeously organized events. between Japan and Belgium” will be I continue to develop celebrated in a highly meaningful With the participation of all of way through organizing a myriad of you to the 150 Years of Friendship cultural events in order to further events I have great expectations for the relation between our deepen the bilateral amity. our bilateral bond to be nurtured even more. I am deeply grateful to all countries to a new level The floral festival “ those who have lent their unyielding Floralies” will be held at a variety effort and support and I profoundly of locations throughout the city of wish our amicable cooperative rela- Ghent and will feature an abundance tionship to develop more than ever Beloved people of Belgium, of Japan-themed flower arrange- throughout this commemorative ments. The Flower Carpet year. on the other hand will completely cover the whole surface of the Mr. Shinzo Abe On behalf of the Govern- Emperor of Japan as the Honorary Brussels Grand Place, a UNESCO Prime Minister of Japan ment and the people of President on the Japanese side for Japan, I have the honor of “150 Years of Friendship between conveying my heartiest con- Japan and Belgium” is another gratulations on the occasion testimony of how highly Japan Oof “150 Years of Friendship between regards Belgium. Japan and Belgium”. Since the conclusion of the treaty of Amity, I myself visited Belgium in 2014 Commerce and Navigation in 1866, and subsequently Belgian Prime Japan and Belgium have developed Minister Michel visited Japan in invaluable relations of friendship 2015. The fact that mutual visits based upon the exceptional bond of the state leaders were set up in between the Japanese Imperial only a single year is heartening and Household and the Belgian Royal together with Prime Minister Michel Family. I would like to continue to develop the relation between our countries to Their Majesties the Emperor and a new level. the Empress of Japan made a visit to Belgium in 1993 as state guests, and Brussels, home of both the EU His Imperial Highness the Crown and NATO headquarters, is the cap- Prince, together with Her Imperial ital of Europe where many Japanese Highness the Crown Princess, visited companies have expanded their Belgium in 1999 on the occasion of market. Furthermore, the world- the royal wedding ceremony of His renowned cultures of both Japan Majesty King Philippe. Furthermore, and Belgium also deserve special the inauguration of His Majesty the mentioning.

4 5 Belgium and Japan are allies and friends

years ago saw the The excellent cooperation beginning of a new between Japan and Belgium was era in the long his- illustrated by very successful royal 150 tory of Japan and state visits in the past, and also in We continue its relation with the rest of the world, 2016 by our common celebration especially with Europe and with my of the 150th anniversary of our own country Belgium. diplomatic relations. Belgium and working together We both went through turbu- Japan are allies and friends. I con- lent times but we have now since tributed in my former capacities as decades a strong structural relation- Prime Minister and President of the as partners and friends ship based on common interests and and nowadays as even more common values. We are Haiku Ambassador for the Japan-EU strengthening this relationship via Friendship. n anniversary such as 150 years international order, based on respect negotiations with the EU on a Free does not come by every day. It for all persons and their rights. We Trade Agreement and more broadly Happy Anniversary! provides a wonderful oppor- also enjoy close economic ties, a Strategic Partnership Agreement. tunity to stop and take stock particularly in those high-technology In a world of renewed instability, of a friendship that is so well and innovative sectors that are the threats and terrorism our values are Count Herman Van Rompuy Aestablished, and goes so much with- future of our mature economies, at stake. Those developments bring The Friendship Ambassador for the 150 Years out saying, that we may sometimes such as biotechnology and electron- us even closer together. of Friendship between Japan and Belgium lose the measure of everything that ics. And the frequency of wonderful unites us. projects by artists and museums, During my visit to Japan in May as well as the number and level of 2015 – my first bilateral visit outside contacts between our universities, of Europe as Prime Minister – I had testify to the richness of cultural and the occasion to appreciate directly personal relations between Belgium how Belgium and Japan, in spite of and Japan. obvious cultural differences and geographical distance, share the I am looking forward to welcom- same values and the same out- ing Prime Minister Abe to Brussels look on our globalized world and in 2016, to celebrate this strong © 2015 © European its future. Our advanced societies relationship, and to continue working face not only similar but common together on this solid basis as part- challenges: aging, how to generate ners and friends. new economic growth, climate change and environmental concerns. We share the same desire, and work together, for a peaceful, rules-based Mr. Charles Michel Prime Minister of Belgium

6 7 I invite you all to celebrate our anniversary

Our two countries have expe- he year 2016 marks rienced an extraordinary turn of the 150th anniversary events over these years, which were of Japanese-Belgian marked by wars, reconstruction, diplomatic relations transformation in domestic and which were established international politics and economy. when our nations concluded the Throughout those turbulent years, TTreaty of Amity, Commerce and we maintained friendly relations. Navigation in 1866. Japan was at the Today, Japan and Belgium are dawn of transition from closed-door both democratic, free and peaceful, The strong feudalism to an open embrace of and making active international relationship between Western civilization. Belgium was contributions so that peace and a young independent state buzzing development can be shared by the Japan and Belgium rests on with industrial revolution. 150 years whole world. Our ties of friendship later, our bond is strong and the cel- are stronger and more promising the work of all the Belgian and ebration of “150 Years of Friendship than ever. between Japan and Belgium” will be I invite you all to celebrate this Japanese citizens the pinnacle of our relationship. wonderful anniversary together. Let us look back at our past, and think ahead for our future. o represent Belgium in lively today than ever. Every day I Japan is a high honor for a meet people, Japanese and , diplomat at any moment. who contribute to building ties Coming at the time that we between our countries, and every celebrate the 150th anniversary of day I am encouraged by the variety Mr. Masafumi Ishii T Ambassador of friendship between our nations is a and dynamism of those links in every Japan to Belgium unique chance. sector and walk of life.

150 years ago, Japan and Bel- The celebrations of the 150th gium first established diplomatic anniversary will put these ties in relations. As Ambassador to Japan, the limelight. More importantly I cannot but have a thought to perhaps, they will also be a wonder- appreciate how much I benefit from ful opportunity to consolidate them, the work of my Japanese and Belgian foster new contacts, launch new predecessors in this century and a exchanges. I invite you to partici- half. But diplomatic relations are only pate fully in these exciting times for a small part of the story. The strong the friendship between Japan and relationship between Japan and Belgium. Belgium rests on the work of all the Belgian and Japanese citizens who have given substance to it through Mr. Gunther Sleeuwagen this long period, and make it more Ambassador of Belgium to Japan 8 9 © ANA, Peter Guedens years of diplomatic relations Belgium-Japan is an important milestone in a relationship. 150 It is a symbol of growth towards a common goal: fostering the economic and cultural ties between our two countries and the friendship between our people. The This 150 years Professor Gilbert Declerck BJA President celebration brings us (Belgium-Japan Association & Chamber of Commerce) a further drive Japanese We have become deeply indebted to our networks between Belgium and Japan – on so many levels too many to mention. From the bonds that were formed the pursuit for harmony is prevalent amongst Japanese and Belgians. Tower This 150 years celebration brings us, as the Belgium-Japan Association & Chamber of Commerce (BJA), a further drive: to work harder and strive higher for the benefit of our peoples. May business and cultural exchange in Japan and Belgium flourish and the friendship between the citizens of our of Laeken countries prosper with it! Unsung Treasury of Belgian-Japanese Relations

Adjacent to the royal Long before construction exhibitions of Japanese art Act as a stimulus for lease let me convey my sincere domain in Laeken (Brussels), was finished in 1904, king from the RMAH and abroad. and warm congratulations for the Japanese Tower stands Leopold II saw the economic Together with the Chinese further synergy to 150 years of diplomatic relations out as a tangible symbol of opportunities Japan could Pavilion and the Museum of face the challenges and friendship between Japan the relations between Belgium offer his small industrious Japanese Art, it forms the Pand Belgium. and Japan. Commissioned by country. However, it was his Museums of the Far East, cur- that lay ahead A glance over our shoulders at the King Leopold II and designed successor King Albert I who rently undergoing restoration. history of this period reveals the tremen- by Parisian architect Alexandre would open a commercial Extensive research dous tenacity, vision and foresight from countless people of both countries, Marcel, its construction exhibition in 1911 entitled revealed that the Japanese facilitating huge strides forward in mutual understanding, growth and began in 1901. “Permanent Belgian-Japanese materials used for the deco- connectivity, in many areas, including social, cultural, business, technological, Marcel reused the Japa- exhibition”, showcasing products ration of the upper floors environmental, economic, political etc. nese entrance porch of the Tour of industry and crafts from may be older than previously I hope this year of commemoration will du Monde, which he built for both countries. The Japanese thought. Also, the archives celebrate all the past as well as the more recent the World exhibition in Paris government sent samples from the period 1909-1921 achievements, and act as a stimulus for further in 1900. He also designed the and the Meiji emperor himself were only recently discovered, synergy to face the challenges that lay ahead in gallery that covers a monu- sent a personal gift to cele- providing new research material the ever-changing world environment. mental staircase leading up brate the opening. even up to this very day. to the pagoda. Decorated In 1921 the tower became with stained glass windows, it part of the Royal Museums Mr. Koji Waki depicts scenes from the genpei of Art and History (RMAH). Ms. Nathalie Vandeperre President, Nihonjinkai in Belgium Curator of the East Asian Collections (Japanese Society of Belgium) wars. Wooden panels and gilded Since its partial restoration for metal plaques were ordered the Europalia Japan festival 10 directly from Yokohama. in 1989, it has housed several 11 uring the first half of program of political, social, econom- the nineteenth century ic, institutional and cultural moderni- there was little interest sation. For the execution of this pro- in Belgium for Japan gram it sought inspiration in many and vice versa. That Western countries, mostly the major changed in 1854 when the US as the powers, but also smaller countries Dfirst Western power concluded a including Belgium. Japan’s reformers treaty with Japan. The first ‘Belgian’ were interested in both the institu- to travel to Japan probably was the tional organisation and technological Count Charles Descantons de Mont- know-how of Belgium. Testimonies blanc (1833-1894), Frenchman, but to this interest are among others also Baron of Ingelmunster. He had the various Japanese missions close contacts with the fief of Satsu- abroad which included Belgium in ma, and acted as representative of their itinerary. The highest profile the fief at the International Exposi- mission was the Iwakura mission, tion of Paris in 1867. In the mean- which toured the United States and time, after painstaking negotiations Europe between 1871 and 1873, undertaken by the diplomat Auguste but there were equally a t’ Kint de Roodenbeeke (1816-1878) number of individual Belgium had succeeded in 1866 to students who came become the ninth Western state to to Belgium to sign a treaty with the Shogunate. study at Belgian The Meiji Restoration (1868) scientific marked the formal end of the period institutions. of Japan’s isolation. The country now embarked upon a far-reaching

The History of

Belgian - Japanese Treaty of Amity, Visit Tokugawa Akitake Commerce and Navigation to Belgium Meiji Restoration

Relations 1866 1867 1868

Tokugawa Akitake, younger brother of the last shogun (boy in the middle) visiting Belgium, 1867 12 13 Students were particu- the cultivation and larly interested in techno- processing of flax. logical know-how, but a Conversely, Belgian few also studied juridical companies saw in Kato Tadatsune, minister and monetary aspects. Japan a promis- extraordinary and plenipotentiary Best known is perhaps ing market for their products and Matsukata Masayoshi’s opened branches in Japan. aide Kato Wataru, who This notwithstanding, it was Iwakura Tomomi was charged with the task not until 1898 that both countries of studying the history and opened legations in each other's organisation of Belgium’s capital. Japan posted its first central bank. After a three- minister plenipotentiary year stay in Belgium, Kato in Brussels. Motono Ichiro returned to Japan, and became the first in a row of played a seminal role in the Japanese diplomats, among preparations for the estab- who figured some prominent lishment of Japan’s central ones, such as Kato Tsunetada bank, the Bank of Japan. (posted in Brussels from Later, he was appointed Adachi Mineichiro, 1902 to 1906), and above all ambassador head of the banking depart- Adachi Mineichiro (legate to ment of the newly founded bank. Belgium from 1917 to 1927). On the Iwakura Tomomi and other main members In the area of technological Belgian side the most remarkable of the Iwakura mission, On the artistic level Japan served while some Belgian writers, notably know-how, Belgium was rec- diplomats were Albert d’Anethan London 1872 as an important source of inspira- Maurice Maeterlinck, Emile Verhaer- ognised as a leading power in (legate in Japan from 1893 to 1910) tion in the form of Japonisme for en and Georges Rodenbach, were the fields of gunpowder, steel and above all Albert de Bassom- Belgian artists playing an important avidly read and widely translated and glass industry, as well as pierre (legate from 1920/21 to 1939). role in the Art Nouveau movement, in Japan.

Motono Ichiro, minister extraordinary and plenipotentiary

Opening of legations in Belgium Signature page from the Treaty of Friendship, Iwakura Mission in Belgium Art Nouveau in Belgium and Japan Kato Tsunetada Commerce and Navigation, signed between Japan and Belgium on August 1, 1866 ©Archives Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs 1873 1893 - 1910 1898 1902 -1906

14 15 Although not counted from the rest of the world. intents and purposes, very much all is Honda Motor Cor- as a major power, before The Manchurian Incident, relations between the two countries, poration’s investment 1914 Belgium enjoyed which broke out in September which were only gradually restored in a production plant much esteem with the Jap- 1931, triggered a chain of events after the surrender of Japan in in Aalst as early anese authorities as well which dragged Japan into the August 1945. as 1962, the first as the public opinion. With quagmire of a desperate war. Japan’s recovery in the post- Japanese investment the war, that image would These events also affected the war period evidently led to the full in Europe by any of even be strengthened on relations between Japan and restoration of bilateral relations Japan’s major pro- account of the staunch re- © Alonso Collection Belgium. Due to the tension and their further development to an duction companies. sistance Belgium put up against the between Japan and China, Crown unprecedented level in most fields. In the cultural Art-Nouveau flower vases under Japonisme influence German invasion. In particular the Prince Leopold’s visit to Japan, which In the background of this intensified field by far the most design: Frères Muller, presence of the Belgian king among had been scheduled for the spring of relationship was Belgium’s status as notable event was Val-Saint-Lambert 1905-08 (left) his troops at the war front, a fact the 1932, was cancelled. a host country for many internation- the organisation Europalia Japan 1989 design: Romain Gevaert ©Europalia & Jeanne Tixhon, Japanese press did not fail to report The Prince did visit French al organisations, most notably the of Europalia Japan 1989. This was Val-Saint-Lambert ca. 1905 (right) on, struck a sensitive chord among the Indochina, but returned to Belgium European institutions and NATO. arguably the most comprehensive Japanese public, who hailed without visiting either Japan or While Belgium enjoyed brisk and highest profile cultural fiesta him as heroic and chivalric. China. This did not prevent Belgian economic growth and prosperity as ever organised by Japan in Europe. It The relations between diplomacy from taking a conciliatory a founding member of what was to included events covering a panoply Japan and Belgium generally stance when the League of Nations become the European Union, Japan’s of Japan’s high culture as well as a continued amicably through- condemned Japan in the Lytton spectacular growth catapulted the representative selection of popular out the Meiji and Taisho eras, report for its role in Manchuria and country to the status of economic culture. although there were some the Manchu state. world power, a development ac- The last quarter century has not minor disagreements. With The absolute low point in companied by commercial frictions witnessed another event of similar the exception of the first few Belgian-Japanese relations was with some major competitors in the proportions, but in its wake the bi- years, the first two decades the Pacific War, a time when Japan international market. Belgium was lateral relations have steadily grown of the Showa era were and Belgium found themselves in one of the first European countries more robust, and involved an ever marked by conflict and strife, opposite camps. The upshot was to benefit from direct Japanese increasing number of Belgian and increasingly isolating Japan the rupture of diplomatic and, to all investment. Notable in this respect Japanese citizens.

© Alonso Collection

Sword given to King Albert during Adachi Mineichiro Legate to Albert de Bassompierre Honda Motor 150 years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium WW1 by Sugimura Kotaro (Asahi) Belgium (legate 1920/21-1939) Corporation Belgium, Aalst Europalia Japan Professor Willy Vande Walle

Chairman, Friends of Japan 1914 1917 - 1927 1920 - 1939 1962 1989 2016 Professor, KULeuven

16 17 Many more events are to be held throughout the year 2016. Please visit the 150th anniversary website for updates and contact organizers for further information. http://www.be.emb-japan.go.jp/150jb/en/index.html Event Calendar Attention: All details are subject to change.

January March

26 November 2015 to "The Spirit of Budo" Exhibition- The History of Japan's Martial JICC early March Doll making lecture by Master Keiho Ando JICC (tbc) 8 January Arts (Japan Foundation's travelling exhibition) March~April Quand La BD Belge Regarde Vers Le Soleil Levant Belgian Comic Strip Museum January to December Projet Senbazuru "Mille grues pour le Japon" Mariemont, Morlanwelz 10 to 25 March Invisible Needs of Life - Reconstruction 5 years after 311 tsunami JICC 1919 January Official Opening Ceremony - 150 Years of Friendship between Egmont Palace (exhibition & symposium) Japan and Belgium 11 March Fukko concert - commemorative charity concert Flagey 23 January Miyabi Gagaku Concert - by Kitanodai Gagakukai BOZAR 11 to 13 March East Japan Great Earthquake 5th Commemorative Event Hasselt Japanese Garden 25 January "Eat Japan" food symposium JICC and others 11 to 13 March Made in Asia Brussels Expo 27 January to 27 March Impressions Japonaises, photo exhibition Contretype 18 March to 14 August Game Changers - The Radical Silhouette From Balenciaga To Momu 28 January to Haiku Paintings exhibition - by Ken Yagi & Hiro Saika JICC Kawakubo 26 February 18 March to 1 May Festival - Japan Host Country, Japan Meets Belgium Blankenberge 29 January Rubens Lecture and Concert JICC 24 to 26 March "Matsuri" Festival BOZAR, KUL 30 January to 10 April Exposition Un Esprit Japonais. Gisbert Combaz, Mariemont, Morlanwelz lala CéramiqueCéramique et la Création Belge 26 March Conference: Entre Bouddhishme et Shinto Parc de Mariemont

February April

4 to 8 February Salon des Vacances - Japan in the spotlight Brussels Expo 22 April to 1 May FLORALIËN Gent - Japan as guest country Bijloke Ghent

5 February to 30 April Le Japon à Mariemont, hier et aujourd'hui Espace Wallonie-Bruxelles 23 to 24 April Meiji Shrine Gagaku Concert and Martial Arts Performance Brussels, Ghent

1212 February to 4 March Bonten Taiko Concert with Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra Liège, Antwerp, Ghent, 25 April Bi Japon fashion show JICC Bruges, Hasselt, Brussels, Charleroi

23 February Sarugakukai Kyogen Performance Palais des Beaux-Arts

May to December JICC : Japan Information and Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Japan in Belgium

18 19 May November

May to August Japanese mask exhibition by the Mask Museum JICC November 2016 to Japanese Mask Exhibition Mask Museum June 2017

12 November Noh Play by Kyutaro Hashioka BOZAR

June 12 to 13 November Japan Folk Festival 2016 in Brussels Flagey

1 to 2 June Urasenke tea ceremony lecture and demonstration JICC 12 to 27 November Ars Musica "The Country of the Rising Sound" Brussels (BOZAR etc), Liège, Mons, Namur, Charleroi, Bruges 24 to 26 June Brugge Japan Day Bruges 23 November Zen Adages from A to Z, lecture by Prof. Andreas Thele Royal Academy of Belgium 30 June Opera singer's concert by Yukiko Shimbo JICC

July December December Closing Ceremony Brussels July Tokyo Chuteiiki saxofone concert JICC

August 12 to 15 August Brussels Flower Carpet - Japan as a guest country Grand Place

September September Comic Strip Festival - Japan as a guest of honor Parc Royal & Place des Palais

2 to 10 September Snake Dance - The Recital Brussels, Mons, Ghent, Antwerp,

24 September Symposium: How Bells Connect Belgium and Japan Congress and Heritage Centre Lamot

October October "The Feverish Era" contemporary art exhibition BOZAR

1 October Japon Nature Mariemont, Morlanwelz

8 to 13 October Japan Week - international cultural exchange program BOZAR etc

22 to 23 October The International Aïkido Celebration-Brussels Tour & Taxis

20 21 SPONSORS

Corporate Color PANTONE ３７３Ｃ

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO

22 23 Production Coordination: Mr. Maxime Darge (JICC) Editor: Mr. Hiroyuki Yamamoto (Inspiration Publishing, Brussels) Design: Ms. Ryoko Abe

© Celebration Committee 2016 © Inspiration Publishing 2016

KINGDOM OF BELGIUM Printed in Belgium Federal Public Service

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