Chargé d' affaires ad interim attended Japan-Thailand Cultural Festival 2023 at Nittai-ji Temple

14/10/2023

On 14 October 2023, Ms. Prangtip Kanchanahattakij, Chargé d'affaires ad interim of the Royal Thai Embassy, delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the Japan-Thailand Cultural Festival 2023 at Nittai-ji Temple, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. The ceremony featured esteemed guests, including Mr. MIWA Yoshihiro - Royal Thai Honorary Consul-General in Nagoya and Honorary Chairman of the Japan-Thailand Cultural Festival Committee, Venerable MURAKAMI Enryu – Representative Sangha of Kakuozan Nittai-ji Temple and Chairman of the Japan-Thailand Cultural Festival Committee, Mr. HAYASHI Masahiro - Deputy Governor of Aichi Prefecture, and Mr. KAWAMURA Takashi - Mayor of Nagoya City.

The Japan-Thailand Cultural Festival 2023 took place over two days, from October 14th to 15th, 2023. The festival was designed to foster cultural exchanges and promote friendly relations between Japan and Thailand. A wide array of experiences, from delectable Thai and Japanese cuisine to cultural activities such as demonstration of Muay Thai, Thai dance, tea ceremonies and meditation trials, were offered at the 46 vibrant booths outdoors and inside the Hall. The Royal Thai Embassy, in collaboration with the Royal Thai Honorary Consulate-General in Nagoya, showcased Thai "mangosteen".

The esteemed presence of Mr. OMURA Hideaki, Governor of Aichi Prefecture, further emphasized the significance of this cultural exchange. The Japan-Thailand Cultural Festival 2023 drew a substantial audience of approximately 20,000 individuals, reflecting the enduring enthusiasm and appreciation of both Japanese and Thai cultures.

Nittai-ji, which means Japan-Thai temple, is a symbol of a strong historical, diplomatic, and Buddhist connection between Thailand and Japan for over 100 years. Nittai-ji Temple was established in 1904 to enshrine the holy Buddha relics which were granted to Japan by His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (King Rama the V). In 1987 in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Thailand and Japan, the statue of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn was built in front of the Dhamma Hall in the Temple in remembrance of His Majesty’s contributions. The Temple also serves as one and only temple in Japan that center for all Buddhist sects, not affiliated with a particular Buddhist school, but each sect takes turns caring for the temple.

Link https://www.nittaiji.or.jp/