In 2026, Monaco is celebrating twenty years of diplomatic relations with Japan, a friendship inaugurated with great pomp and ceremony on Saturday.
It was to the beat of taiko drums that Monaco paid tribute to Japan on Saturday 21 March. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene presided over the opening of the ‘Japan in Monaco’ day on the esplanade of the Grimaldi Forum, in the presence of a distinguished guest: Princess Akiko of Mikasa, cousin of Emperor Naruhito, sent by the Imperial Family to represent Japan at these festivities. Louis Ducruet was also among the dignitaries present.
© Sarah Steck / Prince’s Palace
© Sarah Steck / Prince’s Palace
The official ceremony saw the Prince and Princess watch a dance performance by Mimoza Koiké, a Japanese dancer with the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, accompanied by the powerful rhythms of Japanese percussion. For the occasion, Princess Charlène had chosen a floral dress by Zimmermann, subtly evoking the delicate cherry blossoms, a symbol of spring in Japan.
© Sarah Steck / Prince’s Palace
In his address delivered in front of the Japanese Garden, Prince Albert II highlighted the “closeness and bonds of friendship” that unite the two countries, setting the tone for a year dedicated to cultural exchange and dialogue.
© Sarah Steck / Prince’s Palace
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Twenty years of diplomatic ties
Relations between the Principality and Japan date back more than three decades. A Japanese honorary consul was appointed in Monaco as early as 1994, and was elevated to the rank of honorary consul-general in 1999. On 14 December 2006, a joint agreement formalised full diplomatic relations between the two states, paving the way for the appointment of Japan’s first ambassador to Monaco, Yutaka Iimura.
© Sarah Steck / Prince’s Palace
Since then, ties between the Principality and the Land of the Rising Sun have continued to strengthen in cultural, scientific and institutional spheres.
© Sarah Steck / Prince’s Palace
In addition to the opening ceremony, 21 March featured a packed programme running from 10 am to 5 pm on the esplanade and in the Japanese Garden adjacent to the Grimaldi Forum. From the moment the event opened, visitors were able to explore an exhibition dedicated to Japanese craftsmanship.