Opening Ceremony of the "Momiji – Japanese Autumn in Estonia 2026"
2026/9/8
On September 8, Ambassador NAKAMURA Koichiro, together with Mr. HAYASHI Tomomi, president of the Japanese Cultural Society in Estonia (Jaapani Kultuuri Koda), held the opening ceremony for the Japanese cultural festival "Momiji – Japanese Autumn in Estonia 2026" at the Kadriorg Art Museum.
The ceremony was attended by many guests celebrating the occasion, including Mr. Raimond Kaljulaid, Chairman of the Estonia-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mr. Peeter Raudsepp, Mayor of Tallinn, Mr. Olavi Seisonen, Mayor of Haapsalu and his wife, Prof. Toomas Asser, Rector of the University of Tartu and his wife, Prof. Priit Reiska, Rector of Tallinn University, Prof. Hilkka Hiiop, Rector of the Estonian Academy of Arts, and Ms. Aleksandra Murre, Director of the Kadriorg Art Museum, the venue for the ceremony, as well as representatives from the Estonian government, cultural, academic, and business sectors, Japanese residents, and Momiji participants.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador NAKAMURA declared the start of the second "Momiji" festival. He expressed his hope that cultural exchange between the two nations would further expand under the Momiji banner through a wide and diverse range of events—surpassing last year's offerings—covering traditional culture, music, art, martial arts, cuisine, and more.
For this year's "Momiji – Japanese Autumn in Estonia 2026," a public competition for a logo design was held, and among the many entries, the wonderful logo and mascot character designed by Ms. Eka Susanti were selected. During the ceremony, the Ambassador presented an award to Ms. Susanti.
Furthermore, a mini concert was performed by the Estonian National Male Choir, a world-renowned ensemble of which Estonia is justly proud. They performed three pieces—compositions from both Japan and Estonia—and their magnificent voices resonated throughout the beautiful palace building, deeply moving the audience.
At the venue, a *kagami-biraki* (ceremonial sake barrel opening) was performed to celebrate the launch of Momiji, followed by a reception featuring Japanese cuisine with sake prepared by Embassy Chef Mr. KAWANO Kodai. In a cordial atmosphere, the attendees reviewed information on the various events scheduled during the "Momiji" period and deepened their friendships with a view to promoting cultural exchange between Japan and Estonia.
The ceremony was attended by many guests celebrating the occasion, including Mr. Raimond Kaljulaid, Chairman of the Estonia-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mr. Peeter Raudsepp, Mayor of Tallinn, Mr. Olavi Seisonen, Mayor of Haapsalu and his wife, Prof. Toomas Asser, Rector of the University of Tartu and his wife, Prof. Priit Reiska, Rector of Tallinn University, Prof. Hilkka Hiiop, Rector of the Estonian Academy of Arts, and Ms. Aleksandra Murre, Director of the Kadriorg Art Museum, the venue for the ceremony, as well as representatives from the Estonian government, cultural, academic, and business sectors, Japanese residents, and Momiji participants.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador NAKAMURA declared the start of the second "Momiji" festival. He expressed his hope that cultural exchange between the two nations would further expand under the Momiji banner through a wide and diverse range of events—surpassing last year's offerings—covering traditional culture, music, art, martial arts, cuisine, and more.
For this year's "Momiji – Japanese Autumn in Estonia 2026," a public competition for a logo design was held, and among the many entries, the wonderful logo and mascot character designed by Ms. Eka Susanti were selected. During the ceremony, the Ambassador presented an award to Ms. Susanti.
Furthermore, a mini concert was performed by the Estonian National Male Choir, a world-renowned ensemble of which Estonia is justly proud. They performed three pieces—compositions from both Japan and Estonia—and their magnificent voices resonated throughout the beautiful palace building, deeply moving the audience.
At the venue, a *kagami-biraki* (ceremonial sake barrel opening) was performed to celebrate the launch of Momiji, followed by a reception featuring Japanese cuisine with sake prepared by Embassy Chef Mr. KAWANO Kodai. In a cordial atmosphere, the attendees reviewed information on the various events scheduled during the "Momiji" period and deepened their friendships with a view to promoting cultural exchange between Japan and Estonia.