Their Majesties Address the National Cultural Festival in Wakayama Online

 



Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress attended the opening ceremony of the 36th National Cultural Festival and the 21st National Festival of Arts and Culture for the Disabled in Wakayama Prefecture online from the Imperial Palace where they reside.

His Majesty the Emperor connected the Imperial Palace/Goseki with the site via a live broadcast and said, "I hope that the circle of exchange will lead to the creation of a new culture.

His Majesty expressed his concern for the hardships caused by the new coronavirus and said, "I believe that art and culture can enrich our minds and help us realize a richer life even in difficult times.

After the ceremony, Their Majesties viewed the stage and exhibition, and talked with the performers and authors. The Emperor asked Ayaka Ejima, 18, a high school senior who danced on the stage, if she had been affected by Corona. After the meeting, Ms. Ejima said, "Even though I couldn't see his face through the mask, her eyes were very kind and she was very easy to talk to. 

 

The National Cultural Festival, together with the National Arbor Day, the National Athletic Meet, and the National Abundant Sea-building Festival, is one of the four major public events in Japan.

 

The following is the full text of his words:

 

"I am pleased to be able to attend the opening ceremonies of the 36th National Cultural Festival in Wakayama 2021 and the 21st National Festival of Arts and Culture for the Disabled in Wakayama together with you in the form of an online presentation.

 

Wakayama Prefecture is located on the Kii Peninsula, the largest peninsula in Japan. The rain that falls on the mountains of the Kii Mountain Range that crisscross the peninsula nurtures the forests, and the pure water that gushes from the forests eventually becomes majestic rivers and waterfalls that flow into the Pacific Ocean where the Kuroshio Current flows.

 

In this rich natural environment, sacred sites such as the World Heritage Sites of Kumano Sanzan and Koyasan, as well as pilgrimage routes leading to these sites, were born, and Waka-no-ura has been described in many poems as a scenic spot since the Manyo period.

 

It is truly significant that the National Cultural Festival and the National Festival of Arts and Culture for the Disabled will be held in Wakayama, welcoming people who are engaged in various artistic and cultural activities in various parts of Japan.

 

We are still suffering from the new coronavirus infection, which restricts people's interaction with each other and has a great impact on artistic and cultural activities. I would like to express my deepest sympathies to all those involved in the arts and culture for their hardships and concerns in continuing their activities.

 

Facing this difficult situation, I think it is a great encouragement for arts and cultural activities that this conference is being held while paying attention to the response to the new coronavirus infection.

 

I believe that art and culture can enrich our hearts and help us realize a richer life, even in difficult times.

 

Under the theme of "Blue Mountains, Blue Seas, Culture Shines," this year's conference will feature a variety of artistic and cultural activities throughout the prefecture, where people with and without disabilities will be able to interact with each other across generations and regions, sharing joy and excitement.

 

I hope that through these efforts, the value and appeal of local culture will be reaffirmed, and the circle of exchange among many people will lead to the creation of a new culture.

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