Ankara Hosts 18th Japanese Films Festival
To mark the monumental milestone of 100 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Turkey, the Embassy of Japan in Ankara will host a series of events throughout the year. The inaugural event, the 18th Ankara Japanese Film Festival, kicks off on January 10 at CerModern and promises to be a cinematic celebration to remember.
Offering a cinematic odyssey, the festival will treat Ankara audiences to six captivating Japanese productions free of charge. Among the featured films, “Cape of Mayoiga” will grace the screens at CerModern on January 11, followed by a screening at Doğan Taşdelen Contemporary Arts Center on January 13. Notably, on January 11, the film’s director, Kawatsura Shinya, will engage in a conversation with the audience, providing unique insights into the creative process.
Highlighting the diverse spectrum of Japanese cinema, “Every Day is a Beautiful Day” will captivate audiences on January 11 at CerModern and again on January 13 at Doğan Taşdelen Contemporary Arts Center. The festival continues with “Mentai Piriri-Zorlu Flavor” on January 12 and 14 at CerModern, “My Annoying Lunchbox” on January 12 and 14 at CerModern, and “Takatsu River” on January 13 at Doğan Taşdelen Contemporary Arts Center. The festival will come to a close on January 14 with the screening of “The Teacher and the Street Cat” at CerModern.
Diplomacy on the Big Screen: A Century of Friendship
Reflecting on a century of diplomatic relations, the Embassy released a statement highlighting the deep historical ties between Turkey and Japan. Diplomatic relations were established on August 6, 1924, just one year after the founding of the Republic of Turkey, with Japan’s endorsement of the Treaty of Lausanne, symbolizing a commitment to enduring friendship. Notably, Turkey became the first country in the Middle East region where Japan established an embassy, signaling the importance attached to this relationship.
In recent years, Japan-Turkey relations have flourished in various fields, including politics, economics, disaster prevention, and culture. The joint effort that brought to life the iconic Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge in Istanbul, using seismic isolation technology for the first time in Turkey, is a testament to the enduring bond. Often seen as the realization of a 150-year dream, the bridge demonstrates the strength of shared efforts.
In moments of adversity, the bond between Japan and Turkey has shone brightly. Natural disasters such as the 1999 Izmit earthquake, the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, and the most recent earthquakes in southeastern Turkey in February have highlighted the countries’ mutual support in difficult times. As the saying goes, “A true friend is known in dark times,” capturing the essence of their enduring friendship.
To see the full list of events for the 100th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Turkiye, please visit the link below.
https://www.tr.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_tr/100Etkinlik.html
