'Korea Japan Festival' to be held on Sept. 22 as a venue for Korea-Japan civilian exchange

2024.08.20. The Fair Economy — 'Hanil Chukje Hanmadang (Korea Japan Festival) 2024 in Seoul' will be held on Sept. 22 at COEX in Gangnam District, Seoul.

The Korea Japan Festival began as a key project of 'Year of Friendship 2005,' launched to mark the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan in 2005. It has grown into the largest and most representative civilian exchange event between the two countries, and is regarded as an event symbolizing friendship and cooperation between Korea and Japan through cultural, civic, youth and local government exchanges.

The theme of this year's 20th edition is "Friendship Flowers Blooming at the Festival", featuring stage performances by Korean and Japanese performing groups, various cultural experiences, food booths and local government and corporate booths, and programs offering diverse experiences.

In the first section, the official ceremony, the Korea-Japan Boys' and Girls' Choir will sing representative children's songs from both countries in Korean and Japanese, marking the start of the Korea Japan Festival.

Following that, remarks by Son Gyeong-sik, the executive committee chair, guest speeches, congratulatory videos, and theme videos are screened.

Japanese vocalist Yoshikazu Mera, who sang the theme song of the famous animation 'Princess Mononoke', and Park Wan will present a stage of Korea-Japan friendship, accompanied by Saori Fujimoto's sign language performance, creating a moving moment.

In the second section, various performances bridging tradition and modernity will unfold, including traditional dance performances from both countries and hip-hop shows.

In Part 3, performances will include hula dances from both countries, a performance by Japan's representative from the TV program 'Korea-Japan Singer King', Kim Deok-su's samulnori performance, and a performance by 'Avantgardey', who have gained worldwide popularity with their group of school-uniformed, bob-haired performers.

In Part 4, Korea-Japan cosplay performances and K-POP and J-POP performances will be held. In particular, the K-POP and J-POP performances will feature ILLIT and IVVY, who are drawing attention in both Korea and Japan.

The finale, which will close the event, will feature a joint performance by the Yosakoi Arirang performance team, all performers and every audience member, looking forward to the 2025 Korea Japan Festival and depicting unity toward friendship and cooperation between Korea and Japan.