Lithuanian Culture Minister Visits Japan to Strengthen Bilateral Ties and Prepare for 2026 Cultural Exchange
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Lithuanian Minister of Culture Simonas Biriutis is currently visiting Japan to bolster cultural cooperation between the two nations, marking the first such trip by a Lithuanian Culture Minister in over a decade. The visit focuses on strengthening existing partnerships, commemorating historical figures, and preparing for important Lithuanian cultural events planned in Japan for 2026.
Strengthening Cultural Partnerships
during the visit, Lithuania and Japan will formalize their cultural exchange with the signing of a second institutional cooperation agreement, this time between the National Museum of lithuania and the Nagoya City Museum. This agreement builds upon existing collaborations and aims to facilitate further exchange of expertise and artifacts.
The delegation will also participate in several key events:
Honoring Chiune Sugihara: The delegation will pay tribute to Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat who saved thousands of Jewish lives during World war II by issuing transit visas through Lithuania.
“Lithuania Now” Festival: The official opening of the annual “Lithuania Now” festival in gifu will be attended, showcasing contemporary Lithuanian culture.
“Baltic Unity Day” at EXPO 2025: The delegation will participate in the “Baltic Unity Day” celebration at the Baltic Pavilion at EXPO 2025 osaka,Kansai,Japan. https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/
Looking Ahead to 2026: A Year of Lithuanian Culture in Japan
The visit is particularly significant as it lays the groundwork for a major showcase of Lithuanian culture in Japan in 2026. Planned events include:
M.K. Čiurlionis Exhibition: A major exhibition dedicated to the works of M.K. Čiurlionis, a prominent Lithuanian painter and composer, will be held at the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo.https://www.nmwa.go.jp/en/
“Lithuania-Echo of Songs in the Baltic Forests” Exhibition: The Nagoya City Museum will host an exhibition titled “Lithuania-Echo of Songs in the Baltic Forests,” accompanied by joint training sessions for museum professionals from both countries. https://www.nagoyacitymuseum.jp/en/
These events aim to introduce Japanese audiences to Lithuania’s rich artistic heritage and foster professional development within the museum sector.
EXPO 2025 osaka and Regional Collaboration
At EXPO 2025 Osaka, Minister Biriutis and the Lithuanian delegation will engage in several activities:
“Baltic Unity Day” Participation: Active participation in the official “Baltic Unity Day” celebration.
Meeting with Latvian Delegation: A meeting with the Latvian delegation to strengthen regional collaboration.
“Forest of Civilizations” Project: Contribution to the EXPO’s “Forest of Civilizations” project,highlighting Lithuania’s natural and cultural landscape.
Pavilion Visits: Visits to the pavilions of Lithuania’s key international partners.
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Key Takeaways
Lithuanian Minister of Culture simonas Biriutis is visiting Japan to strengthen cultural ties.
A new cooperation agreement will be signed between the National Museum of Lithuania and the Nagoya City Museum.
Major Lithuanian cultural exhibitions are planned in Tokyo and Nagoya in 2026, featuring the work of M.K. Čiurlionis and showcasing Lithuanian folk traditions.* The visit underscores the growing cultural exchange between lithuania and Japan.