TOKYO - Japan and South Korea marked the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations with the opening of the annual Japan-Korea Exchange Festival in Tokyo over the weekend, drawing large crowds to enjoy food, cultural exhibits, and student exchanges.
The event featured booths showcasing everything from traditional cuisine to youth exchange programs, filling the venue with visitors eager to experience both nations’ cultures. One high school student who joined the exchange program said, "I want to learn not only about K-pop but also about Korea’s history and politics."
At the opening ceremony, South Korea’s new ambassador to Japan, Lee Hyuk, who arrived the day before to assume his post, made an appearance. "The most important thing is to move Japan-Korea relations forward," Lee said, noting that a positive atmosphere has taken shape since President Lee Jae-myung took office.
In the evening, Japanese and Korean artists performed together. Among them was Aiko Sumida, who had appeared in a joint Japan-Korea audition program and gained attention in South Korea after performing Japanese songs on a Korean television music show. "Even though countries and languages are different, people are the same," Sumida said. "I always sing with the hope that my feelings can reach others, even just a little." She added that she wants her songs to cross borders and touch people’s hearts.
Source: TBS
