In a celebration highlighting the deepening ties between Greece and Japan, Greece's Tourism Minister marked the occasion of Emperor Naruhito's birthday against the backdrop of Athens' iconic skyline. The event also underscored the importance of tourism connections between Athens and Tokyo.
This celebration is part of a broader effort to enhance cultural and commercial links between the two nations. Last year, they commemorated 125 years of diplomatic relations by designating it a ‘Year of Culture and Tourism of Greece-Japan.’
Throughout 2024, a variety of events have been planned to bring Greek culture to Japan, including the participation of the Greek National Tourism Organisation in the Tourism Expo Japan held in Tokyo. This four-day exhibition provided a platform for international tourism businesses to engage with Japan’s travel markets.
Minister Kefalogianni also highlighted the visit of Japanese Princess Kako to Athens last May. During her visit, the emperor’s niece introduced a Japanese translation of "Travels in China and Japan" by the esteemed Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis.
The initiative to bolster tourism, friendship, and cooperation was solidified during Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ visit to Tokyo in 2023. There, he met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and signed a Joint Declaration of Strategic Cooperation.
At the Japanese Embassy in Athens, Kefalogianni emphasized the commitment to fostering investments, enhancing air travel, and promoting sustainable tourism opportunities between the two countries as ongoing priorities.
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