THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE WILL ATTEND THE GRAND OPENING OF JAPAN HOUSE LONDON
London
Thursday 13th September, 2018
The Duke of Cambridge will attend the grand opening of Japan House London on Thursday 13th September. His Royal Highness will be accompanied on his visit by Japan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Taro Aso. Japan House London is the newest hub for JAPAN HOUSE, an international project with other centres based in Los Angeles and Sao Paulo. Japan House London aims to create a greater understanding of Japan amongst a UK audience, and to deepen cultural, social and economic bonds between the two nations. The building includes exhibition, event and workshop spaces, a library, a restaurant and a shop.
The Duke, who previously visited Japan in 2015, will tour the facilities and learn about how the space is being used to promote and expand links between Japan and the UK. The visit will also look ahead to the upcoming Japan-UK Season of Culture 2019-2020. Based on an agreement between the Prime Ministers of Japan and the UK in August 2017, the Season of Culture will take place between 2019 and 2020, bridging the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Throughout the Season of Culture, the British Council will lead a series of activities in Japan, whilst the Japanese government will lead on activities in the UK.
During his visit, His Royal Highness will view the ‘Biology of Metal: Metal Craftsmanship in Tsubame-Sanjo’ exhibition and meet with designers and craftspeople. The exhibition presents an illustration of how craftsmanship and small industry are embedded in tradition, and how they are adapting to a changing society. The Duke will also learn about Japan House London’s educational programme, which works with local schools to expand knowledge of Japanese culture. His Royal Highness will visit a workshop, demonstrating the ancient craft of copper-beating, and the building’s Akira restaurant where children will be learning chopstick and origami skills.
Finally, The Duke will make a short speech and unveil a plaque, officially opening Japan House London. His Royal Highness will end his visit by inviting those present to join him in a kampai toast.
The kampai toast will be made with a small sample of sake from Tsubame-Sanjo served in a masu, a square, wooden sake cup used on celebratory occasions.
Read all about the Duke of Cambridge’s 2015 visit to Japan in issue 15 of Royal Life.
