Ostravské muzeum

Timeline

2016
The Centre is founded

The Czech–Japanese Cultural Centre is established with the aim of promoting Japanese culture in the region. The first discussions begin on developing a partnership between the cities of Ostrava and Osaka, marking the start of long-term efforts to strengthen Czech–Japanese relations.

2018
First Japanese artists at the festival Japanese Days

The festival welcomes its first performers from Japan. Their regular participation helps preserve the authenticity of the festival and strengthens the cultural exchange between the two countries.

2020
Olympic Park and the Peace Run in Ostrava

The COVID-19 pandemic forces the cancellation of planned events celebrating the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Czechoslovakia, as well as the Tokyo Olympic Games.

2022
Preparations for Expo 2025

The Centre becomes actively involved in preparing the presentation of the City of Ostrava and the Moravian-Silesian Region for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Japanese artists once again take part in the festival Japanese Days.

2023
New premises

The Centre moves to larger facilities at Atlantik Club, allowing its educational and cultural programme to expand.

Strengthening ties with Osaka

An Ostrava delegation visits Osaka City Hall, and the Mayor of Osaka, Hideyuki Yokoyama, is officially invited to Ostrava.

2024
Expanding cooperation

Preparations for Expo 2025 continue. Major milestones include:

• the establishment of an Omotesenke Tea School branch in Ostrava,
• a cooperation agreement with Osaka University,
• and collaboration between the Japanese baseball team Riseisha and Arrows Ostrava.

2025
Expo 2025 and the 10th Japanese Days Festival

A milestone year marked by Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and the 10th anniversary of the festival Japanese Days in Ostrava.

Companies from Ostrava, together with the Moravian-Silesian Region and the City of Ostrava, participate in the World Expo. Cooperation also begins with the Japan Folk Festival (JFF).

To celebrate the anniversary, twenty artists travel directly from Japan to Ostrava. The festival features an authentic Buddhist wedding ceremony and welcomes Joji Hirota, one of the world's most renowned taiko drummers.