Events in 2011
Events for the year 2011 to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of the Japan-Estonia Renewed Diplomatic Relations (in Estonian)
27 December, 2011
16th Kanagawa Biennial World Children Art Exhibition
Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan has held the Kanagawa Biennial World Children's Art Exhibition every two years since 1981. This year three Estonian children received a Selected Prize nomination at the 16th Kanagawa Biennial World Children Art Exhibition.
Prizes were handed over to Ms. Katrin Kahu (12 y.o.) and Mr. Karl-Erich Aru (11 y.o.) at the Japanese Embassy by Ambassador Hideaki Hoshi, Mr. Max Kaur from the Tallinn City Council, Ms. Margit Siim from UNESCO and Mrs. Johanna Ranne, the students´ art teacher.
Ms. Katrin Kahu and Ambassador Hoshi / Mother of Mr. Karl-Erich Aru and the Ambassador / From left: Ms. Margit Siim, Mr. Max Kaur, Ms. Katrin Kahu and the Ambassador
You can see the 2011 Art Works of World Children's Art Exhibition here.
17 December, 2011
5th Children Sumo Christmas Tournament
The Children Sumo Christmas Tournament took place at the Vinni Sports Center in the suburb of Rakvere with the participation of 119 children under 14 years old from Estonia, Russia, and Poland. A Japanese public TV covered this event and broadcasted it in Japan.
13 December, 2011
Conferment of Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star Upon Dr. Rein Raud, Professor of the University of Tallinn
On the occasion of the Emperor’s Birthday Reception held in Tallinn, the 2011 Fall Conferment of Decoration on Foregin Nationals was held. Dr. Rein Raud, professor of the Tallinn University was awarded a medal and a certificate of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star for his contribution to leading Japanese studies and the development of Japanese language education in Estonia.
24 October, 2011
“Hiroshima Stone for Peace” Presented to President Ilves
“Stone for Peace” which used to be a paved stone and experienced the A-bomb blast in Hiroshima 1945, was presented to H. E. President Ilves as the symbol of universal aspiration for peace by the “Stone for Peace Association of Hiroshima”. They have been donated the stone to head of state around the world to tell the preciousness of peace. The stone was placed in Japanese garden of Kadriorg Park.
Related links:
Stone for Peace Association of Hiroshima
Official Homepage of Japanese Garden at Kadriorg Park (in Estonian)
17 October, 2011
“Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo” Puppet Theater Performance at NUKU
One of refined forms of the Japanese Traditional Puppet Theaters, "Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo Puppet Theater Troupe" (Headmaster: Nishikawa Koryu V) starring with Tsuruga Wakasanojo XI (Headmaster of Tsuruga School of Shinnai Narrative Song) performed at the Main Hall of the Estonian State Puppet Theatre (NUKU) in the old town as a finale of the cultural events dedicated to the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Japan-Estonia Renewed Diplomatic Relations.
The program began with "Sanbaso" to purify the stage as a ritual, and then moved to the explanation of the Kuruma Ningyo puppet structure. And the performance followed with two stories, "Yaoya Oshichi" and "Sogo and Jinbee"; a scene from the play "Yaoya Oshichi -The Merchant's Daughter Oshichi" who broke the rule of beating the alarming Taiko drum on the top of firelook tower, desiring to see her boyfriend, and a scene of the play "The Legend of the martyr from village of Sakura", telling about the martyr, Sakura Sogo, who risked his life to save the peasants from heavily-burdened lives. Both tragedies were touching and highly appreciated. At a curtain call, a Kuruma Ningyo danced an Estonian folk dance as a warm surprise for the audience.
Related links:
Official Homepage of Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo Koryu Nishikawa Troupe
31 July, 2011
Opening Ceremony of the Japanese Garden at Kadriorg Park
On July 31, the opening ceremony of the Japanese Garden at Kadriorg Park took place after the completion of the basic work with the participation of Mr. Kalle Klandorf, the Deputy Mayor of Tallinn City Government, Mr. Ain Järv Director of Kadriorg Park Director, Mr. Masao Sone, Traditional Japanese Garden Landscape Designer and Ambassador Hideaki Hoshi. Many citizens, including staff from Tallinn City Government, Kadriorg Park, and Estonian-Japanese Association gathered there and celebrated the opening of the first authentic Japanese Garden in Estonia.
In front of the two pine trees planted as a signification of completion, from right to left: Mr. Järv, Mr. Klandorf, Mr. Sone, and Ambassador Hoshi.
Official Homepage of Japanese Garden at Kadriorg Park (in Estonian)
28 July, 2011
Sushi Workshop for Estonian Sushi Chefs
On the afternoon of July 28, a Sushi Workshop was held at the residence of Ambassador Hoshi inviting many sushi chefs from sushi restaurants in Estonia. It was a workshop for real sushi and the sushi chefs learned the authentic way of how to rinse/clean and cook the rice, make sushi gohan (vinegary rice) with lots of professional secrets and lessons from the Ambassador´s Chef.
28 May, 2011
World Day - Martial Arts Performance at Vabaduse Väljak (Freedom Square)
27 April, 2011
Educational Program - School Visit to Saksa Gymnasium
On April 27, Ms. Mayuri Hirata, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Japan, made a presentation at Saksa Gymnasium to 80 high school students and talked about ODA (Official Development Assistance) by the Government of Japan.
29 March, 2011
Kana Calligraphy Lectures and Demonstrations
On the 29th of March, lectures and demonstrations were held by calligrapher Takaki Atsuhito from Daito Bunka University at Järveotsa Gymnasium with around 80 students and teachers listening enthusiastically to the lecture and taking part in the demonstration and at Tallinn University´s Atrium where around 40 students and private citizens took part. Not only the lecture and Q&A round but also the demonstration received great feedback.
Photo Gallery
At Järveotsa Gymnasium
At Tallinn University
25 March, 2011
Donation of Kendo Equipment
On the 25th of March, 20 sets of Kendo equipment (10 new and 10 used) and Kendo uniforms from All-Japan Kendo Federation were handed over as a present to Estonian Kendo Association.
Chairman of the Board of Tartu Kendo Club Mr. Risto Jaagant, Member of the Board Ms. Hedi Pedajas and Ambassador Hideaki Hoshi.
11 March, 2011
7th Japanese Speech Contest
On the 11th of March, the 7th Japanese Speech Contest was held in Tallinn University where 14 high school and university students took part, showing the results of their hard work with Japanese language.
Photo Gallery
Greeting from the Ambassador Hoshi.
Mrs. Hoshi, representative of the jury, rewarding the winners: Ms. Katrin Jets (Advanced level), Mr. Kristen Jüriväli (Intermediate level) and Ms. Karin Tiirak (Beginners' level).
Evaluation from the Chairman of Estonia-Japan Association Mr. Heikki Vallaste.