Japan and Belgium established diplomatic ties exactly 160 years ago. And in Brussels, an iconic little boy fashioned from bronze is marking the occasion by dressing like a samurai.
The two countries signed the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation on August 1, 1866. On Friday, the Manneken-Pis statue of a urinating boy was adorned with a hitatare Japanese outfit traditionally worn by noble warriors.
A Ukrainian woman expressed surprise, saying it was interesting to see him in a Japanese costume. And an American couple said they think the design is cool and pretty.
The hitatare, which features red chrysanthemums and other patterns on a white background, was created by a Japanese designer living in Belgium.
Japan’s Ambassador to Belgium Osuga Takeshi delivered an address in front of the statue. He said events like this are wonderful, and a sign of friendship.