The vibrant spirit of cultural collaboration between Indonesia and Japan was once again on full display at the annual Kesennuma Minato Matsuri in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan (August 1-2). This port festival, a local tradition since 1951, has become a strong symbol of friendship between the two nations, marked by the active participation of the Indonesian diaspora and the warm welcome of the local community.
The event, which took place on Japanese soil, was a testament to the enduring people-to-people ties between Indonesia and Japan. Counsellor for Information, Social, and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, Lodya Habsanthiara Mone, emphasized that Kesennuma Minato Matsuri continues to serve as a space for cultural exchange and growing humanitarian solidarity.
“This festival is not only a celebration of maritime tradition, but also a symbol of resilience, hope, and cross-cultural collaboration,” said Lodya. “We warmly welcome the continued partnership between Indonesia and Kesennuma, particularly in the fields of fisheries, marine affairs, and human resource development.”
Indonesia’s participation was warmly acknowledged by Mayor of Kesennuma, Shigeru Sugawara, who highlighted the contributions of Indonesian residents in supporting the local industries and enriching the city’s cultural life. “Indonesian restaurants, prayer facilities, and active community engagement in cultural exchanges are living proof that the bonds between Indonesia and Kesennuma grow stronger with each passing year,” said Sugawara.
The event featured a cultural parade showcasing traditional Indonesian arts and attire, drawing enthusiastic applause from hundreds of festivalgoers. The parade was attended by distinguished guests, including Mayor Sugawara and Member of the House of Representatives of Japan, Itsunori Onodera, who joined the Indonesian Embassy’s representative and members of the Indonesian community in celebrating the occasion.
As a special note, since 2003, the Indonesian cultural parade has traditionally opened the festival—signifying a new chapter in Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy in Japan. The event marked an important milestone in the growing relationship between the two nations, demonstrating a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit in the future.
In conclusion, Kesennuma Minato Matsuri serves as a shining example of the power of people-to-people ties in fostering deeper understanding and cooperation between nations. As Indonesia continues to strengthen its cultural diplomacy efforts in Japan, this event stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of friendship and collaboration that has defined the relationship between the two countries for over 70 years.
Key Dates:
- August 1-2: Annual Kesennuma Minato Matsuri festival
- 2003: Indonesian cultural parade begins its tradition at the festival
Note to Editor:
on Indonesia-Japan relations, please contact the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Tokyo.
The Embassy is available for media inquiries and interviews upon request.