Slovenia and Japan are having a good diplomatic cooperation for the last twenty years. Japanese culture is more and more present in Slovenia and vice versa.

We have some excellent Sushi restaurants in Slovenia- best one in my oppinion is Sushimama located in the centre of Ljubljana. Raw fish and algae used in Japanese cuisine are one of the healthiest existing nutrients.

Foto: Lana Švab (2012)

Slovene children learn how to make origami in primary school and many of them practise japanese martial arts in their spare time. Even I practised Shotokan Karate for 2 years and I loved it. On the other hand most of Japanese kids know who is Lilijana Praprotnik Zupančič akaLila Prap. Born on 1955 in Celje, Slovenia Lilijana is a world wide known illustrator and holds several awards for her illustrations includingHans Christian Andersen Award. In Japan- a series of cartoons was made after her theme and that is why she is famous there.

Another thing that connects Slovenia and Japan is tourism. Japanese tourists are fond of Slovenia, especially because of its natural wonders and old town centres. Most of Japanese tourists visit Postojna cave - the biggest cave in Slovenia, a natural habitat of endangered Proteus anguinus. Many Japanese also visit the˝Forma viva˝- sculpture parks in Slovenia. A number of those sculptures was made by Japanese sculptors, such asKoji Ishikawa,Yuki OyanagiandKatsuyi Kishida. Another bond between Slovenia and Japan. 

Foto: Lana Švab (2012)

If you would like to experience Japan and cannot fly there at the moment, I suggest you to visit˝The Summer day - Japan˝, an interesting event taking place on 24th June atZbiljelake close to the capital of Slovenia-Ljubljana. You will be able to play Japanese board games, try japanese tea, do origami, learn the calligraphy, listen to the travelogue and/or observe martial arts. The romantic and peacefull environment of Zbilje lake is more than suitable for book-readers. I suggest you to bring a book ofHaruki Murakami- the most read Japanese writer in Slovenia. My favourite titles are:Norwegian Wood, South of Border- West of Sun, Sputnik Sweetheart, Kafka on the Shore(all translated also in Slovene language) and the newest one 1Q84.

For the lovers ofLila Prapand the illustrations that come to life, I recommend the visit of so called ˝Lila Prap Puppets Intervention˝ that will take place withinMaribor European Capital of Culture 2012,from 15th- 18th of June. You will be able to see 7m tall puppets animated by several people. Interesting concept of out-door parade will be accompanied by dancers and other performance.

Anime lovers shall have a look at the Japanese Animations of Lila Prap Characters or at the Video 1001 storiesby Lila Prap (iPadapplication)!

From 12th till 16th of June the ˝Week of Japanese movie˝ (˝Teden japonskega filma˝) will take place in Ljubljana, Kinoteka. The project is run by Kinoteka, Embassy of Japan and Japan Foundation. Famous film directors such asShohei Imamura and Heinosuke Goshodirected 8 masterpieces that you should not miss. For more information about the program click here.  

Do you know about any other link that bonds Slovenia and Japan?

Other related blogs:

• Charm of Ljubljana

   

   

• Sculptures of Slovenia