"Japonism 2018", a comprehensive Japanese culture exposition, had been held in France from the summer in 2018 to the early in 2019, to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Japan. From the tradition to modern of Japan, various introduction of Japanese culture continued until February 2019 with the theme of "aesthetic sense" that honors the nature existing commonly under the root of Japanese culture and respects the harmony of different values. Many people enjoyed Japanese culture during that period.
As is well known, the Ukiyoe had influence on the Impressionists and the Japanese cuisine on the nouvelle cuisine in France. In addition, when French oysters are sick and endangered in 70's, the oyster cultivation farmers in Miyagi prefecture in Japan provided seeds of oysters to French farmers. In return, at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 when Japanese oysters were seriously damaged by tsunami, French farmers and their supporters assisted Japanese farmers. In this way, the relationship and friendship between France and Japan have been getting strong since 19th century.
In the domain of economic and social cooperation activities for development countries, JICA keeps good relationship with Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) since long time ago, especially after signing the Memorandum of Understanding under which the annual retreats have been and continue to be organized to discuss the ideas on solutions to development challenges and the concrete collaboration for financing etc.
Under the framework of "France-Japan Plan for sustainable development, health and security in Africa" signed by both prime ministers in 2015, JICA and AFD are strengthening collaboration so that the developing countries could achieve the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs).
In parallel, JICA France office actively engages with our partners in Germany, UK and other parts of Europe, and follows up discussions at various conferences and multilateral organizations in the region, such as Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of OECD. JICA France office would like to make utmost effort to contribute, in collaboration with Japanese government and other stakeholders, to the above discussions in order to support developing countries to realize sustained, inclusive, environmentally friendly and resilient economic and social growth, by achieving SDGs.
INADA Kyosuke
Chief Representative, JICA France Office
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