Japanese journalists visited Poland
Picturesque Gdańsk, the majestic Malbork Castle, the National Philharmonic in Warsaw, the historic Kraków, and the charming Zakopane. These are just some of the many places visited by eight Japanese journalists during the press trip organized as part of promotional activities preceding Poland's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
The journalists met with representatives of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, the Marshal’s Office of the Pomeranian Region, the Museum of Japanese Art and Technology Manggha, and the Tourism Organization of the Małopolska Region. The journalists were also invited to a concert as part of the International Festival “Chopin and his Europe”, organized by the Fryderyk Chopin Institute, and met with its representative.
„During the visit, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in Polish culture, interact with people, and experience the cuisine. I saw a side of Poland that I hadn’t imagined before. I would like to share this image, pass it to people in Japan using my own words also using the Expo context” – Gaku Watanabe, Fuji TV.
Every element of the press trip’s program was connected to the main theme of Poland’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai – “Poland. Heritage that drives the future”, as well as what Poland will showcase at the Expo within the national pavilion, internal exhibition, and economic and cultural events. The journalists were also presented with a detailed concept of Poland’s participation in the upcoming World Exposition.
Business and journalistic missions are one of the initiatives of Poland’s economic programme at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. As part of the promotional activities preceding the Expo, Japanese entrepreneurs and journalists – a total of 74 people – will be invited to Poland to participate in 7 inbound missions.
The task was carried out as part of the Project titled “Internationalization of SMEs – BRAND HUB”, action 2.26, under the Program “European Funds for a Modern Economy 2021-2027” (FENG).
Journalists’ comments
Gaku Watanabe, Fuji TV
During the visit, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in Polish culture, interact with people, and experience the cuisine. I saw a side of Poland that I hadn’t imagined before. I would like to share this image, pass it to people in Japan using my own words also using the Expo context.
Yayoi Arimoto, photographer, TRANSIT Magazine
During this trip to Poland, I made several discoveries. We were able to cover a wide range of topics, including nature, culture, history, and industry, and despite the short time we were here, the trip could not have been richer in content. What strongly impressed me during the entire visit was the harmony between city and nature that I glimpsed during my visits to Gdansk, Krakow, Warsaw, and other large cities. In addition to the city’s unique charm, the surrounding nature was abundant and beautiful, making me envy the citizens living there. The people were full of energy, and there was a brightness unlike anything we see in Japan today.
The impression I had of Gdansk with its sea changed my previous perception of Poland. Since I have personal memories connected with shipyards (my father ran a shipping company, so shipyards in different parts of the country are my native landscape), the European Solidarity Centre
made a great impression on me. I also enjoyed the bustling night life of Krakow, and just strolling through the narrow streets of the Old Town was a delightful experience. I think visitors from Japan really like this kind of city walk. The Chopin concert in Warsaw overwhelmed me with the beauty of the venue and even more so with the wonderful performers.
Maki Tsuga, reporter, TRANSIT Magazine
This was my first trip to Poland.
What impressed me the most was how energetic and powerful the people, cities, and culture were. Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, and Zakopane… In every city, both local people and travelers from other countries seemed to be enjoying their time very cheerfully.
The streets of Warsaw’s old town after WWII, the sight of happy people dressed up and going to piano concert, the seaside city of Gdansk where the wind blows freely, the nights in Krakow when the streets are full of partying people, and the mountains of Zakopane with climbers, from children to adults… All left a lasting impression on me with their unique Polish scenery.
I also fell in love with Polish food. Rye bread, cheese, sausages, honey… All tasted very natural and soothing. And the soups! I like beet soup, mushroom soup, and especially żurek, which tastes like Japanese miso soup and makes me feel at home.
I also felt that the Polish people cherish their history. In particular, Gdansk is the place where World War II began and where the pro-democracy movement took place, and I saw people visiting museums related to these events and listening intently to what was presented. The exhibits in all the museums were interactive and enjoyable.
I felt that both adults who lived through some of those times and also young people value Poland’s history, whether it be the period of partitions, war, or socialism. This is why the Polish people of today seem so strong and energetic. Poland is country with a lot of hidden treasures, and I would like to visit again in my private time.
Ayano Kobayashi, writer
Poland is a country with hidden treasures. After this trip, I once again feel that way.
Amber glistening in the Baltic Sea, majestic castles, Chopin’s music, underground salt temples… Such visible treasures are not the only attractions of Poland. Whenever I experience the charm of the country’s diverse culture, I think of how Poland’s people have preserved it through many hardships.
Many times in its history, Poland was almost deprived of its identity by other countries. This would have also threatened the extinction of Polish culture itself. However, the people of Poland have always preserved it. Even when the Polish language was forbidden, they secretly taught themselves to speak it in their own homes or underground.
In other words, Polish culture is the very treasure that has been preserved by the strong will of the entire nation. It is the language, the music, and the pride that has never been lost in the face of hardship.
In the presentation given during the trip, it was mentioned that one of the themes at the Expo in Osaka, Kansai, would be the establishment of a brand of Polish culture. I am sure that many Japanese will see the secret treasures that have been protected over the years, accompanied by the memories of the beautiful pavilion at the Expo.
