This year's exciting development is that, following the Tokyo stop, a session will also be held in Okinawa, a city that will mark a historic milestone with the restoration of the main hall of Shuri Castle. Against this backdrop, the event will showcase the traditional culture, artistic heritage, community-based creative initiatives, and emerging talents of Ryukyu-Okinawa, while exploring new possibilities for international exchange and collaboration through the ECoC network.

Directors and program representatives from the European Capitals of Culture 2026–2030 will compare their programs with the proposals of the numerous participants to explore the possibility of collaboration. Participating Ecoc cities are: Oulu 2026 (Finland), Trenčín 2026 (Slovakia), Liepāja 2027 (Latvia), Budejovice 2027 (Czech Republic), Bourges 2028 (France), Skopje 2028 (North Macedonia), Lublin 2029 (Poland), Kiruna 2029 (Sweden), Larnaka 2030 (Cyprus), Nikšić 2030 (Montenegro).

The Tokyo session has already been a great success: applications exceeded availability!

The  program includes three crosstalks.  “Creative Future-Making: The Challenges of the European Capitals of Culture” is the title of the first: how can culture help address social challenges and shape the future of cities? Three representatives from current and future ECoC cities share their visions, strategies, and experiences from the front lines of cultural transformation:  Samu Forsblom Program Director, Oulu2026 (Finland), Martin Mojžiš Manager for the European Dimension and International Relations, Trenčín 2026 (Slovakia), Marta Ryczkowska / Project Manager, Lublin 2029 (Poland). Saori Hakoda  Program Director, EU-Japan Fest Japan Committee will moderate.

The second crosstalk’s title is “Art, Disruption, and Creation: Reimagining Society Through Culture”:can art challenge existing assumptions and open new possibilities for society? Through the experiences of the WATARI-UM (The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art), this session explores how art can inspire new ways of thinking and contribute to social and cultural change.

Speakers are: Etsuko Watari  Director, WATARI-UM (The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art),
Koichi Watari  CEO, WATARI-UM (The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art).

Moderated by Seiichiro Yonekura  Professor Emeritus, Hitotsubashi University; President, Creative Response Social Innovation School.

The last crosstalk is “The City and “Sono Aida”, what possibilities emerge in the spaces between people, cities, and culture? Artist Akira Fujimoto and architect Yuko Nagayama explore how creative interventions in urban space can generate new perspectives and connections for the future. Speakers are Akira Fujimoto,  Artist and Yuko Nagayama,  Architect, moderated by
Hinano Kamakita  Community Manager, MIRAI LAB PALETTE (Sumitomo Corporation).

The second part of the program includes presentations by representatives from future ECoC cities (2027–2030) who will introduce their programs, visions, and opportunities for international collaboration.

Starting this year, Eu Japan Fest Committee has decided to expand with regional editions designed to foster more direct connections between local communities in Japan and Europe. Okinawa has been selected as the inaugural host city.

The program includes:  Introduction to the Activities of the EU-Japan Fest Japan Committee and Okinawa Arts Council; Presentations by  representatives from the European Capitals of Culture

who will introduce their cultural policies, flagship projects, and international collaboration initiatives; Talk Sessions and Performances on Okinawan Culture and Creativity, guests from a wide range of fields—including traditional culture, contemporary art, and music—will explore the richness and future potential of Okinawa; Matching Sessions & Yuntaku Networking, an opportunity for participants to connect directly with speakers and representatives from the European Capitals of Culture.

Ecocnews will be in Tokyo and Okinawa to follow the meetings and keep you updated.