A LOOK BACK IN PICTURES
More than 1,200 visitors attended the first edition of the “Asian Cultures—A Day in Japan” festival
On May 23, 2026, the grounds of the Château de Saint-Germain-du-Plain were transformed for a day to transport you to the heart of the Land of the Rising Sun. Organized by the East-West Cultural Exchange Centre, this first edition of the Cultures of Asia festival was a resounding success, drawing more than 1,200 enthusiasts, curious visitors, and families.
With traditional demonstrations, captivating concerts, creative workshops, and culinary discoveries, the day was marked by a spirit of sharing and camaraderie right in the heart of the Burgundian Bresse region.
🏛️ An inauguration marked by Franco-Japanese friendship
We had the immense honor of inaugurating this first edition in the presence of distinguished guests:
- Ms. Caroline Ageron, Subprefect of Louhans,
- Mr. Atsushi Saïto, Minister at the Embassy of Japan in France,
- Mr. Guigue, Mayor of Saint-Germain-du-Plain.
Also in attendance were the founders of the East-West Cultural Exchange Centre: Robert T. Harris and Yuko Matsuoka Harris, who were delighted to see this cultural exchange project—which is so dear to their hearts—come to fruition.
🎶 Music & Performances: A Poetic and Sensory Journey
Throughout the day, the castle gardens echoed with exceptional artistic performances:
- Les Pousses du Bamboo Orchestra: Led by musician and composer Makoto Yabuki (founder of the first Bamboo Orchestra in Tokyo and later in France), this intergenerational ensemble thrilled the audience with the resonant sound of Anduze bamboo, from the crafting process to the on-stage performance.
- The Jazz Quartet: The talented Johan Farjot, joined by Hugh Coltman, Jules Dussap, and Alix Merckx, delivered an elegant and spellbinding concert, captivating a large crowd gathered in the park.
- Traditional Kamishibai Theater & Byōbu Storytelling: Actress and storyteller Hiromi Asai captivated audiences of all ages with the art of paper theater and an intimate performance based on ancient Japanese legends.
🥋 Martial Arts, Workshops & Lectures: Cultural Immersion
Visitors were able to learn about the rich traditions of Asia thanks to passionate presenters:
- Martial Arts: Rigorous and impressive demonstrations by the Shodenkan Dojo, Sennecey Aikido, and the Saint-Marcel Judo Club.
- Traditional & Modern Workshops: An immersion in the art of flower arranging (Ikebana) with Eika Ikebana, an introduction to origami by CréaMaga, drawing and manga classes led by Mikaël Lebestiau and Kuran Design, not to mention the relaxation area featuring the game of Go and Shiatsu and Amma seated massages offered by Anthony Cortinovis and Marion Duriaux.
- Travel Stories & Literature: Ryutaro Matsumura’s fascinating talks on the translation of French works in Japan, a presentation by Martin G. from the Franponator website, and Olivier’s (Japan Kudasai) off-the-beaten-path insights.
🍵 Gastronomy & Exhibitions: A Feast for the Senses
Japanese culture can also be appreciated through taste and sight:
- For foodies: A journey into the world of Japanese tea with Paï-Sho, an introduction to sake hosted by Japan Kudasai, sweet treats from the exceptional Manga-T tea salon (run by Laetitia, Yann, and their team), as well as the delicious Miam Miam 71 food truck.
- In the visual arts: Olivier S.’s poetic photo exhibition (Japan Kudasai), Benoît Sarremejane’s monumental sculptures (Atelier B.S.) that enhance the park, and our visual identity designed by Alain Design.
🌟 A second edition has already been confirmed for 2027!
Thanks to your enthusiasm and the wishes you hung on the Tanzaku tree during the festival, we are very pleased to announce:
The festival will make its big comeback in the spring of 2027!
And to keep the magic going, this second edition will now take place over two days.
In the meantime, the East-West Cultural Exchange Centre is still going strong and has some great events in store for you throughout the year. Stay tuned!
🙏 Acknowledgments & Sponsorship
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our wonderful team of volunteers, the outstanding work of Antoine Pelletier (Taiyo Production) and Alexandre Branchard (Media Concept) in producing the recap video, and the media coverage provided by JSL, Dominique Pernin, Radio Bresse, the Bresse Bourguignonne Tourist Office, and Selectour.
A special thank you to our institutional partners, sponsors, and patrons for their invaluable support:
- Sponsors & Companies: Crédit Agricole Centre-Est, Société Comalec, Entreprise Rebillard, CEFJ, L’Arrosoir d’Ouroux.
- Local Partners & Supporters: Saint-Germain-du-Plain Town Hall, Terres de Bresse Community of Communes, Saint-Germain-du-Plain Festival Committee, Baudrières Inter-Association Committee, Jean-François Bassen, and Aurélie Mugneret.
