In pictures: Prince Albert II and Charlene celebrate Japan in Monaco with Princess Akiko of Japan
Monaco officially launched celebrations on Saturday to mark twenty years of diplomatic relations with Japan ยฉ Sarah Steck / Princeโs Palace
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 โJapan in Monacoโ 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.
The official ceremony saw the Prince and Princess watch a dance performance by Mimoza Koikรฉ, a Japanese dancer with the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, accompanied by the powerful rhythms of Japanese percussion. For the occasion, Princess Charlรจne had chosen a floral dress by Zimmermann, subtly evoking the delicate cherry blossoms, a symbol of spring in Japan.
In his address delivered in front of the Japanese Garden, Prince Albert II highlighted the โcloseness and bonds of friendshipโ that unite the two countries, setting the tone for a year dedicated to cultural exchange and dialogue.
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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 Japanโs first ambassador to Monaco, Yutaka Iimura.
Since then, ties between the Principality and the Land of the Rising Sun have continued to strengthen in cultural, scientific and institutional spheres.
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.