Events that took place in 2014
2016/11/21
November 13, 2014
Estonian Association of Former University Students in Japan is established
The "Estonian Association of Former University Students in Japan" was officially set up at the founding meeting held in the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan on November 13, 2014. Since 1993 around 170 Estonians have studied in Japan, most of them as Japanese government scholarship recepients in Undergarduate, Master Degree or Doctor Degree level. Among the members of the Association various professions are represented – government officials, scientists, a sushi restaurant owner, IT engeneers, translators, business people, etc.
The meetings organized by the Association are an excellent way to keep close contact with Japan and find new business networking through Japan, speaking Japanese or listening to Japan-related lectures. Professor Rein Raud who is the leading scholar of Japanese studies in Estonia as well as in Europe, gave a special lecture at the founding meeting. Many fascinating events would be organized in the Association’s future activities. Besides former students, the officials of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who have worked in the Embassy in Tokyo were also invited to the meeting.
Mr. Alari Allik, a lecturer of Tallinn University was elected Chairman of the Association.
Facebook page of the Estonian Association of Former University Students in Japan
Please feel free to share information about the association with anyone who has studied in Japan, but doesn´t know about the association yet.
Ambassador Kai´s Greetings Professor Raud giving a lecture and being congratulated on his role as the Honorary Member of the Association
Greetings by Mr. Allik, President of the Association The Board members with Embassy staff Registering for the Association´s membership
October 13-17, 2014
"Japan Week in Saku"
Saku Municipality in Estonia and Saku City in Japan enjoy friendship city relations. In order to celebrate and deepen this relationship, the Embassy of Japan and Saku Municipality organized "Japan Week in Saku" in cooperation with local schools, kindergartens and many other organizations to introduce Japanese culture to local people. The Embassy was happy to see so many enthuasiastic people enjoying workshops, demonstrations and lectures.
Origami Workshops in Saku Day Center and two kindergartens (Monday, October 13)
Origami Workshop held at the Saku Day Center was very popular and approximately 30 people gathered to learn how to make Japanese origami. Ms. Reet Reidak, an Origami teacher, first showed everyone how to make a Japanese box and then a cute neko (cat) bookmark. Later she taught the Origami to the kindergarten teachers and upon their request showed how to make a crane, which is probably the most well-known Japanese origami figure. Although it was a bit challenging for all, everyone finally did a great job.
Shodo Workshop at Saku Recreation Center, Kajamaa School and Saku Gymnasium (Tuesday, October 14 & Thursday, October 16)
In Shodo Workshop the participants tried writing Japanese characters with brush and ink on special Japanese paper, under the guidance of Japanese teachers, Sonobe Sensei and Tamura Sensei. Both adults and children did very well, though it was the first experience for the most participants.
Japanese Music Lecture at Saku Music School
On Tuesday afternoon the Japanese conductor, Mr. Ryosuke Kurahashi, gave a lecture about Japanese music at Saku Music School. The lecture was open to all.
Movie showing "The Garden of Words" at Saku Youth Center (Wednesday, October 15)
In cooperation with Japan Foundation and the Embassy of Japan, everyone was welcomed to attend a free showing of a popular Japanese animation movie by Makoto Shinkai, titled „The Garden of Words“. Feedback from those who watched the movie was very positive and many young people seemed to be looking forward to attending more Japan-related events in the future.
Aikido Demonstrations at Kurtna School, Kajamaa School, Elementary School and Saku Gymnasium (Thursday, October 16)
Aikido club Taikikai members, Mr. Ausmees, Mr. Lepik, Mr. Eha and Ms. Kagovere, in cooperation with Saku Municipality, gave several exciting demonstrations to students at various schools. Students were excited to see skillful Aikido practicioners and were given some useful tips about how to solve difficult situations without resorting to violence.
Presentation About Japan at Saku Gymnasium
Mr. Ato, the First Secretary (Info & Culture) from the Embassy of Japan gave a presentation on Japan to Saku Gymnasium students on Thursday afternoon. Mr. Ato talked about Japanese culture and Japan-Estonia relation. He also answered many questions from the students.
Ikebana Workshop at Saku Gymnasium
In Ikebana Workshop Ms. Ingrid Allik, an Ikebana teacher, talked about ikebana´s history and taught the basics of Moribana-style flower arrangement. Many particpiants had brought their own branches, so the teacher showed how ikebana arrangements can be made using all kinds of materials. Some arrangements remained in the Saku Gymnasium as decorations for the evening concert.
Other Events
In addition to the above events, Saku Municipality and local schools arranged a Skype session between Mr. Priit Jõe- Kurtna School´s director and teacher, who is currently studying in Japan with the support of the Japanese Government´s "Teacher Training Students" scholarship.
Also Mr. Riho-Bruno Bramanis, a professional handball player who had lived and worked in Japan with his family for many years, visited Saku and talked about his experiences to Kurtna School´s students. A Japanese-themed exhibition was on diplay at the Saku Library from Monday to Friday.
You can read more about Saku Japan – Saku Estonia Friendship City relations here.
October 10, 2014
International Youth Development Exchange Program (INDEX 2014) Program for the Exchange Visits of Japanese and Estonian Youth
The Japanese youth delegation visited Estonia between September 6th and 22nd and the Estonian delegation visited Japan from September 23rd to October 8th. This program was established in 1994 by the Cabinet Office of Japan to commemorate the royal marriage of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince with the purpose of promoting mutual friendship and understanding between Japanese youths and youths of other countries.
The Japanese youth delegation had 16 members headed by a leader and sub-leader. They were selected among 240 applicants through several selections conducted by the Cabinet Office of Japan. In Estonia they held a meeting with the Embassy of Japan and Estonian Youth Work Centre representatives, visited the Stenbock House and the Parliament, met the Prime Minister Mr. Taavi Rõivas and held a meeting with the Estonia-Japan Parliament group members. The youth delegation also visited the E-Estonia.com Showroom, Skype´s office, Mektory and Saku Municipality, which has a friendship city in Japan, also called Saku. Various exchange programs with local youths took place as well, including discussions, mutual presentations of the culture and sports in Kloogaranna Youth Camp and stays with Estonian host families. They had an opportunity to meet Mr. Kaido Höövelson (Baruto) and Tartu University students who study Japanese. In Tartu they visited the Ministry of Education and Research, where they had a meeting with the Minister, Mr. Jevgeni Ossinovski. In Viljandi the delegation visited the Viljandi Youth Centre and Traditional Music Center. The Japanese Ambassador held a reception for the Japanese and Estonian delegations before they left Estonia.
The Estonian youth delegation had 10 members including a leader. They were selected among 143 applicants through various selection process conducted by the Ministry of Education and Research. In Japan the invitees attended the International Youth Conference, conducted institutional visits based on designated topics with Japanese youths who joined the Japanese Youth Goodwill Mission for 2014 as part of the Tokyo Program. They also made institutional visits and overnight exchange program with Japanese youths as well as homestay as part of the Local Program. They also had an opportunity to introduce cultures of respective countries during the program. For the Estonian group, there was a special program to visit Saku City in Nagano Prefecture, which is a Friendship City of Saku Municipality in Estonia.
Briefing by Mr. Naoki Hayashi, Embassy of Japan In the Cabinet meeting room
Courtesy call on the Prime Minister Mr. Taavi Rõivas At the Stenbock House terrace
Courtesy call on Mr. Imre Sooäär, Chairman of Estonia-Japan Parliamentary Group
April 25, 2014
Japanese Ambassador Awards Commendation
The awarding ceremony of Japanese Ambassador’s Certificate of Commendation 2014 for excellent students in the Japanese language took place at the Embassy on Friday, April 25th. The Japanese Ambassador’s Certificate of Commendation was granted by Ambassador Kai to two high school students - Hendrika Öpik from Järveotsa Gymnasium and Mihhail Sokolov from Lasnamäe Gymnasium for their outstanding results in learning Japanese.
We congratulate the winners and hope that they will continue to keep up their excellent work in studying Japanese in the future.
Ambassador Kai, Hendrika Öpik, Järveotsa Gymnasium´s Director Ms. Siret Paasmäe and Japanese Language Teacher Mr. Hiroyuki Sonobe
Ambassador Kai, Mihhail Sokolov, Lasnamäe Gymnasium´s Director Mr. Aleksander Haak and Japanese Language Teacher Mr. Naoya Tamura
Friendly conversation at the Ambassador´s office after the ceremony
April 25, 2014
Presentation About Japan´s ODA (Official Development Assistance) at Maardu Gymnasium
On April 24th, Mr. Ato, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, visited Maardu Gymnasium to talk about Japan´s Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the world to grade 11 and 12 students. The visit was related to the World Day, organized by the the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Commission. We hope that the presentation promoted a better understanding of Japan’s ODA for the students and the Embassy is looking forward to making presentations to more schools in the future.
April 25, 2014
First "Japan Evening" held at Järveotsa Gymnasium
On April 17th, the first "Japan Evening" was held at Järveotsa Gymnasium. Students from grade 12 of the Japanese language class planned and organized many acitivities including Shodo and Origami workshops, Sushi demonstrations, lectures about study experiences in Japan and Japanese culture. About 70 students of elementary and intermediate classes with families and teachers took part and enjoyed the event, which was a big success. The staff of the Embassy of Japan assisted the event with providing various materials.
Lecture about Japan Shodo workshop
Lecture about Japanese School-life Origami workshop
February 13, 2014
Thank you for visiting us at Tourest 2014!
We were very happy to see so many people visiting our Embassy´s booth and hope you enjoyed the cultural activities as well. Looking forward to seeing you again next year!
Ms. Ingrid Allik´s Ikebana demonstration Origami Workshop at the Children´s Hall Mr. Sonobe´s Shodo (calligraphy) workshop
Mr. Ato, First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan, with AniMatsuri members
February 10, 2014
Ozeki Baruto retires, saying "I want to become Yokozuna in my new life!"
The retirement ceremony of Baruto´s sumo career, called "Cutting Topknot", was conducted on February 8th at the Kokugikan Stadium in Tokyo. This has made Sekitori Baruto, Mr. Kaido Höövelson officially retired. According to news from Japan, more than 200 fans including many people from Estonia, including his wife Jelena, cut his topknot one after the other and spoke to him words of appreciation for his ten years’ effort. Baruto responded to the people at the Stadium and said very strongly "I want to be a Yokozuna in my new life". We are very much looking forward to his active contribution to advancing relations between Japan and Estonia.
Baruto´s wife Jelena kutting his topknot
February 4, 2014
The World of Japanese Sake
An event to introduce Japanese sake took place at Ambassador Kai´s residence on Tuesday, February 4th. Mr. Urvo Ugandi, a wine and sake expert, gave an informative presentation, followed by tasting of various sakes from Japan and everyone was welcome to the sushi buffet, prepared by Ambassador´s chef. It was a lively evening with a lot of positive feedback from many guests.
Estonian Association of Former University Students in Japan is established
The "Estonian Association of Former University Students in Japan" was officially set up at the founding meeting held in the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan on November 13, 2014. Since 1993 around 170 Estonians have studied in Japan, most of them as Japanese government scholarship recepients in Undergarduate, Master Degree or Doctor Degree level. Among the members of the Association various professions are represented – government officials, scientists, a sushi restaurant owner, IT engeneers, translators, business people, etc.
The meetings organized by the Association are an excellent way to keep close contact with Japan and find new business networking through Japan, speaking Japanese or listening to Japan-related lectures. Professor Rein Raud who is the leading scholar of Japanese studies in Estonia as well as in Europe, gave a special lecture at the founding meeting. Many fascinating events would be organized in the Association’s future activities. Besides former students, the officials of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who have worked in the Embassy in Tokyo were also invited to the meeting.
Mr. Alari Allik, a lecturer of Tallinn University was elected Chairman of the Association.
Facebook page of the Estonian Association of Former University Students in Japan
Please feel free to share information about the association with anyone who has studied in Japan, but doesn´t know about the association yet.
Ambassador Kai´s Greetings Professor Raud giving a lecture and being congratulated on his role as the Honorary Member of the Association
Greetings by Mr. Allik, President of the Association The Board members with Embassy staff Registering for the Association´s membership
October 13-17, 2014
"Japan Week in Saku"
Saku Municipality in Estonia and Saku City in Japan enjoy friendship city relations. In order to celebrate and deepen this relationship, the Embassy of Japan and Saku Municipality organized "Japan Week in Saku" in cooperation with local schools, kindergartens and many other organizations to introduce Japanese culture to local people. The Embassy was happy to see so many enthuasiastic people enjoying workshops, demonstrations and lectures.
Origami Workshops in Saku Day Center and two kindergartens (Monday, October 13)
Origami Workshop held at the Saku Day Center was very popular and approximately 30 people gathered to learn how to make Japanese origami. Ms. Reet Reidak, an Origami teacher, first showed everyone how to make a Japanese box and then a cute neko (cat) bookmark. Later she taught the Origami to the kindergarten teachers and upon their request showed how to make a crane, which is probably the most well-known Japanese origami figure. Although it was a bit challenging for all, everyone finally did a great job.
Shodo Workshop at Saku Recreation Center, Kajamaa School and Saku Gymnasium (Tuesday, October 14 & Thursday, October 16)
In Shodo Workshop the participants tried writing Japanese characters with brush and ink on special Japanese paper, under the guidance of Japanese teachers, Sonobe Sensei and Tamura Sensei. Both adults and children did very well, though it was the first experience for the most participants.
Japanese Music Lecture at Saku Music School
On Tuesday afternoon the Japanese conductor, Mr. Ryosuke Kurahashi, gave a lecture about Japanese music at Saku Music School. The lecture was open to all.
Movie showing "The Garden of Words" at Saku Youth Center (Wednesday, October 15)
In cooperation with Japan Foundation and the Embassy of Japan, everyone was welcomed to attend a free showing of a popular Japanese animation movie by Makoto Shinkai, titled „The Garden of Words“. Feedback from those who watched the movie was very positive and many young people seemed to be looking forward to attending more Japan-related events in the future.
Aikido Demonstrations at Kurtna School, Kajamaa School, Elementary School and Saku Gymnasium (Thursday, October 16)
Aikido club Taikikai members, Mr. Ausmees, Mr. Lepik, Mr. Eha and Ms. Kagovere, in cooperation with Saku Municipality, gave several exciting demonstrations to students at various schools. Students were excited to see skillful Aikido practicioners and were given some useful tips about how to solve difficult situations without resorting to violence.
Presentation About Japan at Saku Gymnasium
Mr. Ato, the First Secretary (Info & Culture) from the Embassy of Japan gave a presentation on Japan to Saku Gymnasium students on Thursday afternoon. Mr. Ato talked about Japanese culture and Japan-Estonia relation. He also answered many questions from the students.
Ikebana Workshop at Saku Gymnasium
In Ikebana Workshop Ms. Ingrid Allik, an Ikebana teacher, talked about ikebana´s history and taught the basics of Moribana-style flower arrangement. Many particpiants had brought their own branches, so the teacher showed how ikebana arrangements can be made using all kinds of materials. Some arrangements remained in the Saku Gymnasium as decorations for the evening concert.
Other Events
In addition to the above events, Saku Municipality and local schools arranged a Skype session between Mr. Priit Jõe- Kurtna School´s director and teacher, who is currently studying in Japan with the support of the Japanese Government´s "Teacher Training Students" scholarship.
Also Mr. Riho-Bruno Bramanis, a professional handball player who had lived and worked in Japan with his family for many years, visited Saku and talked about his experiences to Kurtna School´s students. A Japanese-themed exhibition was on diplay at the Saku Library from Monday to Friday.
You can read more about Saku Japan – Saku Estonia Friendship City relations here.
October 10, 2014
International Youth Development Exchange Program (INDEX 2014) Program for the Exchange Visits of Japanese and Estonian Youth
The Japanese youth delegation visited Estonia between September 6th and 22nd and the Estonian delegation visited Japan from September 23rd to October 8th. This program was established in 1994 by the Cabinet Office of Japan to commemorate the royal marriage of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince with the purpose of promoting mutual friendship and understanding between Japanese youths and youths of other countries.
The Japanese youth delegation had 16 members headed by a leader and sub-leader. They were selected among 240 applicants through several selections conducted by the Cabinet Office of Japan. In Estonia they held a meeting with the Embassy of Japan and Estonian Youth Work Centre representatives, visited the Stenbock House and the Parliament, met the Prime Minister Mr. Taavi Rõivas and held a meeting with the Estonia-Japan Parliament group members. The youth delegation also visited the E-Estonia.com Showroom, Skype´s office, Mektory and Saku Municipality, which has a friendship city in Japan, also called Saku. Various exchange programs with local youths took place as well, including discussions, mutual presentations of the culture and sports in Kloogaranna Youth Camp and stays with Estonian host families. They had an opportunity to meet Mr. Kaido Höövelson (Baruto) and Tartu University students who study Japanese. In Tartu they visited the Ministry of Education and Research, where they had a meeting with the Minister, Mr. Jevgeni Ossinovski. In Viljandi the delegation visited the Viljandi Youth Centre and Traditional Music Center. The Japanese Ambassador held a reception for the Japanese and Estonian delegations before they left Estonia.
The Estonian youth delegation had 10 members including a leader. They were selected among 143 applicants through various selection process conducted by the Ministry of Education and Research. In Japan the invitees attended the International Youth Conference, conducted institutional visits based on designated topics with Japanese youths who joined the Japanese Youth Goodwill Mission for 2014 as part of the Tokyo Program. They also made institutional visits and overnight exchange program with Japanese youths as well as homestay as part of the Local Program. They also had an opportunity to introduce cultures of respective countries during the program. For the Estonian group, there was a special program to visit Saku City in Nagano Prefecture, which is a Friendship City of Saku Municipality in Estonia.
Briefing by Mr. Naoki Hayashi, Embassy of Japan In the Cabinet meeting room
Courtesy call on the Prime Minister Mr. Taavi Rõivas At the Stenbock House terrace
Courtesy call on Mr. Imre Sooäär, Chairman of Estonia-Japan Parliamentary Group
April 25, 2014
Japanese Ambassador Awards Commendation
The awarding ceremony of Japanese Ambassador’s Certificate of Commendation 2014 for excellent students in the Japanese language took place at the Embassy on Friday, April 25th. The Japanese Ambassador’s Certificate of Commendation was granted by Ambassador Kai to two high school students - Hendrika Öpik from Järveotsa Gymnasium and Mihhail Sokolov from Lasnamäe Gymnasium for their outstanding results in learning Japanese.
We congratulate the winners and hope that they will continue to keep up their excellent work in studying Japanese in the future.
Ambassador Kai, Hendrika Öpik, Järveotsa Gymnasium´s Director Ms. Siret Paasmäe and Japanese Language Teacher Mr. Hiroyuki Sonobe
Ambassador Kai, Mihhail Sokolov, Lasnamäe Gymnasium´s Director Mr. Aleksander Haak and Japanese Language Teacher Mr. Naoya Tamura
Friendly conversation at the Ambassador´s office after the ceremony
April 25, 2014
Presentation About Japan´s ODA (Official Development Assistance) at Maardu Gymnasium
On April 24th, Mr. Ato, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, visited Maardu Gymnasium to talk about Japan´s Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the world to grade 11 and 12 students. The visit was related to the World Day, organized by the the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Commission. We hope that the presentation promoted a better understanding of Japan’s ODA for the students and the Embassy is looking forward to making presentations to more schools in the future.
April 25, 2014
First "Japan Evening" held at Järveotsa Gymnasium
On April 17th, the first "Japan Evening" was held at Järveotsa Gymnasium. Students from grade 12 of the Japanese language class planned and organized many acitivities including Shodo and Origami workshops, Sushi demonstrations, lectures about study experiences in Japan and Japanese culture. About 70 students of elementary and intermediate classes with families and teachers took part and enjoyed the event, which was a big success. The staff of the Embassy of Japan assisted the event with providing various materials.
Lecture about Japan Shodo workshop
Lecture about Japanese School-life Origami workshop
February 13, 2014
Thank you for visiting us at Tourest 2014!
We were very happy to see so many people visiting our Embassy´s booth and hope you enjoyed the cultural activities as well. Looking forward to seeing you again next year!
Ms. Ingrid Allik´s Ikebana demonstration Origami Workshop at the Children´s Hall Mr. Sonobe´s Shodo (calligraphy) workshop
Mr. Ato, First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan, with AniMatsuri members
February 10, 2014
Ozeki Baruto retires, saying "I want to become Yokozuna in my new life!"
The retirement ceremony of Baruto´s sumo career, called "Cutting Topknot", was conducted on February 8th at the Kokugikan Stadium in Tokyo. This has made Sekitori Baruto, Mr. Kaido Höövelson officially retired. According to news from Japan, more than 200 fans including many people from Estonia, including his wife Jelena, cut his topknot one after the other and spoke to him words of appreciation for his ten years’ effort. Baruto responded to the people at the Stadium and said very strongly "I want to be a Yokozuna in my new life". We are very much looking forward to his active contribution to advancing relations between Japan and Estonia.
Baruto´s wife Jelena kutting his topknot
February 4, 2014
The World of Japanese Sake
An event to introduce Japanese sake took place at Ambassador Kai´s residence on Tuesday, February 4th. Mr. Urvo Ugandi, a wine and sake expert, gave an informative presentation, followed by tasting of various sakes from Japan and everyone was welcome to the sushi buffet, prepared by Ambassador´s chef. It was a lively evening with a lot of positive feedback from many guests.
