The festival marks the 50th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between Russia and Japan.
The greeting reads, in particular:
“I am pleased that Russian-Japanese ties in the cultural and educational spheres have developed dynamically over the past few years. An obvious confirmation of this was the large-scale festival of Japanese culture that took place in 2003–2004 in Russia and was a great success. And the forthcoming events that will take place in hospitable Japan are a logical continuation of this.
The fruits of classical Russian literature, theatre, ballet, art and music are well-known in Japan. I hope that the festival's varied programme will offer its visitors an excellent opportunity to take pleasure in masterpieces that are already familiar to them and become aware of contemporary Russia's creative achievements.
I am convinced that implementing this project will help strengthen our friendly, neighbourly ties and the development of the whole range of our bilateral relations.”