Greeting from H.E. Masayoshi Kamohara,

Ambassador of Japan to Georgia

This year Japan and Georgia mark the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of the Diplomatic Relations. It is truly a historic event for both our countries given quite vibrant and dynamic development of our bilateral relationship.

So, to commemorate this anniversary the Embassy of Japan in Georgia decided to organize the Japanese cultural month: 'Spring of Japan' in February and March 2012. It will be opened by the Ballet Concert on February 18, where the strong friendship between Japan and Georgia will be embodied in a joint performance by Ms. Shinobu Takita, a rising Japanese ballet dancer and a Leading Soloist of the Kyiv Ballet, and the world famous star, Ms. Nina Ananiashvili as well as other stars of the Tbilisi Ballet. This concert will be followed by other cultural activities in March: Violin Concert by Mr. Ken Aiso, a well-known Japanese violinist who lives in the United Kingdom; Exhibition of drawings made by the children affected by the Great East-Japan Earthquake; as well as the Japanese Film Festival.

Georgia lies at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, which makes it a very important strategic player in the region, and its latest years of nation building and democratic development have proved truly impressive. Georgia has made great achievements, and we can be proud that Japan was among those who extended their help to this great country in strengthening democracy and developing efficient market economy.

During the year 2012 we are going to organize various other events in both Japan and Georgia. I sincerely hope that all these events will get our people even closer to each other, helping us once again realize the great value and importance of our relationship 20 years on.

*　*　*　*　*　*　*　*