A New Chapter in Cultural Cooperation between France and Japan Unveiled in Tokyo
In a significant ceremony held in Tokyo, the French Minister of Culture, Catherine Pégard, and Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tomomaki Shimada, led the signing of multiple agreements that aim to enhance cultural ties between the two nations. The event, organized by the French Embassy and the Institut Francais, solidifies partnerships across various fields, including literature, film, the creative sector, measures against piracy, contemporary art, and cultural heritage. These agreements are a testament to the mutual commitment of France and Japan to foster collaboration among their cultural leaders and institutions, paving the way for future initiatives.
1. Japan as the Guest of Honor at the 2028 Festival of Livre in Paris: The collaboration between the Festival of Livre and the Japan Book Publishers Association was solidified through a mutual declaration, designating Japan as the guest country for the 2028 festival. This declaration builds on dialogue that began months earlier, focusing on public policy regarding books, the diversity of publishing, the role of bookstores, and challenges related to copyright and digitalization. The existing relationship is further strengthened by France being Japan's largest manga export market, with projections of 35 million units sold in 2024.
2. Structural Agreement for Film and Visual Collaboration: A groundbreaking agreement has been reached between the French National Center for Cinema and the Japanese Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO). This collaboration aims to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation among industry professionals in both countries, focusing on sharing best practices in public policy and creative support, skill development, and fostering relationships between professionals and enterprises.
3. Strengthening Anti-Piracy Measures: Two significant agreements were signed involving the Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority (ARCOM), the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), and the Manga/Webtoon Piracy Countermeasure Council (AMW). These agreements aim to enhance rights protection and optimize the activities of publishers and regulatory bodies in combating piracy of literary works.
4. Roppongi Art Night 2026 with a Focus on France: The famous Roppongi Art Night, known for its vibrant atmosphere, will feature a full night of cultural programming on October 31 and November 1, 2026, centering on France as part of its "RAN Focus" initiative. This year marks the third edition of this program, curated by José-Manuel Gonçalvès and supported by the Institut Francais and the French Embassy. The initiative draws inspiration from Paris' Nuit Blanche, bringing contemporary French art to a wider audience.
5. Sister City Agreement between Matsumoto Castle and Château de Chambord: An agreement has been established between Chambord National Park and Matsumoto City to promote the awareness of cultural heritage and enhance tourism. This partnership aims to share expertise and create joint projects that blend contemporary creations with cultural heritage.
During the ceremony, Pégarde emphasized the renewed strength of the France-Japan relationship, noting that both countries are committed to adapting their collaboration to today’s social realities. She highlighted the importance of balancing tradition with innovation, emphasizing the role of cultural exchange in fostering understanding and cooperation.
As a significant step towards celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Institut Francais in Japan and the 170th anniversary of Japan-France diplomatic ties in 2028, this agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter in cultural cooperation. The willingness to mobilize public and private organizations signifies a robust commitment to enhancing cultural exchanges and laying the groundwork for future collaborative projects.
Key Highlights from the Ceremony:
1. Japan as the Guest of Honor at the 2028 Festival of Livre in Paris: The collaboration between the Festival of Livre and the Japan Book Publishers Association was solidified through a mutual declaration, designating Japan as the guest country for the 2028 festival. This declaration builds on dialogue that began months earlier, focusing on public policy regarding books, the diversity of publishing, the role of bookstores, and challenges related to copyright and digitalization. The existing relationship is further strengthened by France being Japan's largest manga export market, with projections of 35 million units sold in 2024.
2. Structural Agreement for Film and Visual Collaboration: A groundbreaking agreement has been reached between the French National Center for Cinema and the Japanese Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO). This collaboration aims to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation among industry professionals in both countries, focusing on sharing best practices in public policy and creative support, skill development, and fostering relationships between professionals and enterprises.
3. Strengthening Anti-Piracy Measures: Two significant agreements were signed involving the Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority (ARCOM), the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), and the Manga/Webtoon Piracy Countermeasure Council (AMW). These agreements aim to enhance rights protection and optimize the activities of publishers and regulatory bodies in combating piracy of literary works.
4. Roppongi Art Night 2026 with a Focus on France: The famous Roppongi Art Night, known for its vibrant atmosphere, will feature a full night of cultural programming on October 31 and November 1, 2026, centering on France as part of its "RAN Focus" initiative. This year marks the third edition of this program, curated by José-Manuel Gonçalvès and supported by the Institut Francais and the French Embassy. The initiative draws inspiration from Paris' Nuit Blanche, bringing contemporary French art to a wider audience.
5. Sister City Agreement between Matsumoto Castle and Château de Chambord: An agreement has been established between Chambord National Park and Matsumoto City to promote the awareness of cultural heritage and enhance tourism. This partnership aims to share expertise and create joint projects that blend contemporary creations with cultural heritage.
Closing Remarks:
During the ceremony, Pégarde emphasized the renewed strength of the France-Japan relationship, noting that both countries are committed to adapting their collaboration to today’s social realities. She highlighted the importance of balancing tradition with innovation, emphasizing the role of cultural exchange in fostering understanding and cooperation.
As a significant step towards celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Institut Francais in Japan and the 170th anniversary of Japan-France diplomatic ties in 2028, this agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter in cultural cooperation. The willingness to mobilize public and private organizations signifies a robust commitment to enhancing cultural exchanges and laying the groundwork for future collaborative projects.
Topics People & Culture）
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