Princess Kako in Athens for 2024 Greece-Japan Year of Culture and Tourism

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, Princess Kako of Akishino, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, and Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Marking the 125^th anniversary of Greek-Japan relations and the 2024 Greece – Japan Year of Culture and Tourism, Princess Kako of Akishino visited Athens for a special event held at the National Gallery.

Princess Kako was welcomed by Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, and Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou.

Speaking during the event, Kefalogianni said the 2024 Greece – Japan Year of Culture and Tourism opened a new chapter for the two countries with regard to culture and tourism and that together with the Embassy of Japan in Athens, that the ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) were planning a series of events to be held in both countries.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

“There is a very fine unseen line between culture and tourism. Tourism is not just an economic measure or a leisure activity. It is a cultural and spiritual bridge between peoples that allows mutual understanding,” said Kefalogianni.

The aim of the events is to enhance ties and boost the exchange of traveler flows between Greece and Japan.

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, Princess Kako of Akishino during their tour of the Robert McCabe photo exhibition. Photo source: Tourism Ministry

Earlier in the day, Kefalogianni and Mendoni welcomed Princess Kako to the Acropolis Museum, where she was given a tour of the Robert McCabe photo exhibition which opens this week and will then travel to Japan in the fall.

On her part, the 30-year-old princess said she was pleased to be visiting Greece for the first time, and that Japanese travelers were fascinated with Greek culture and civilization. She went on to add that the 2024 Greece – Japan Year of Culture and Tourism would further enhance the strong ties between the two countries.