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2015 Christmas Reception of the Japan Czech Friendship Association

On 7 December 2015 the Embassy of the Czech Republic welcomed in its representative premises the Japan Czech Friendship Association members, their friends, Czech students studying in Japan, who together with the Embassy staff and its families celebrated the St. Nicholas day and upcoming Christmas.
 

The festive evening was hosted by Mrs. Yukiko Murata, Managing Director of the Japan Czech Friendship Association / JCFA/ and a team member of the CzechTourism in Tokyo in one person. The Christmas reception was opened by the JCFA president Mr. Koichi Takahashi and H.E. Mr. Tomáš Dub.  Both speakers expressed their common respect for the Japan Czech Friendship and wished all the guests Merry Christmas. As a Guest of Honour of the event was invited Mr.Hisao Naito, mayor of the City Nirasaki /Prefecture Yamanashi/, which is a friendship city of Měchenice /district Prague West/ and, by the way, is also a  hometown of Mr. Satoshi Omura, the laureate of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

 

 

Ms. Chiaki Yamazaki (violin) and Ms. Noriko Kitada (piano)

Ms. Chiaki Yamazaki (violin) and Ms. Noriko Kitada (piano)

The welcoming speeches were followed by a small concert of the Czech classical music performed by violinist Ms. Chiaki Yamazaki accompanied by Ms. Noriko Kitada playing on piano. Enjoying a pleasant atmosphere and a glass of wine, as well as excellent refreshment, everyone could visit a little Christmas market or an exhibition of paintings made by JCFA members.  Especially the little ones could not wait to meet St. Nicholas with his two helpers:  the Angel, the symbol of Good in us, and the Devil, who represents the dark side of our thoughts and deeds. According to the Czech tradition each child was asked by St. Nicholas whether he/she behaved well during the past year. Then children showcased their talents, whether it was a song, a poem or a dance. St. Nicholas in return was very pleased with their performances and as a sign of appreciation distributed nice presents to them all.

 

St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas

The Christmas spirit was underlined by everybody participating in Christmas carols. The time smoothly passed towards the end of the evening, which was topped off with a Jazz concert of the group Sushi in Da House performed by the Czech student in Japan Mr. Igor Průcha and his partner Anora.

Jazz concert

Jazz concert