Aired: Monday, October 31, 2022. 2:19 a. m. CSE.
By Benjamin Flowers: The 15th Annual Japan Day Festival was held in Belize City this weekend, celebrating Japanese culture and the country’s friendship with Belize.
The event was held Sunday at the Ramada Belize City Princess and featured exhibits of classical Japanese food, art, clothing and music. There were also information booths about Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the paintings it does in Belize.
One of the main attractions of the event, the cosplay contest, where Japanese anime enthusiasts dress up as their favorite characters, has also returned.
Asako Solis, one of the organizers, explained that the festival is the first face-to-face occasion since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, noting that virtual occasions were held in 2020 and 2021.
Japanese Ambassador H. E. Kazuhiro Iryu said he was surprised to see the point of interest and shown through Belizeans for Japanese culture, as evidenced by the large turnout at the five-hour event.
“There were a few thousand people, easily,” the ambassador said. “This year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomacy [between Belize and Japan], so this year is very special for us.
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the Japanese network in Belize had planned a week of activities this week; However, the imminent arrival of tropical cyclone five forced to postpone some occasions.