“Natsu Matsuri”: A traditional Japanese festival in Pagrati

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The Japanese Park is one of the most important recreational areas in Athens, covering an area of ​​3,500 sq.m.

With his spectacular celebration Natsu Matsuriof traditional summer festival of Japanthe transition of the park of the Nereids to Pagrati in a Japanese theme park, the first in Athens.

Faithfully following the ritual, with the prescribed milestones, last November – in a special ceremony – the foundation stone was laid, by Mayor of Athens Kostas Bakoyannishim Ambassador of Japan Nakayama Yasunori and CEO of JTI Mrs. Lili Zigoslou, as the Park was created within the framework of the Athens Municipality’s “Adopt Your City” program, with the kind support of JTI Hellas. In the intervening period, emblematic elements of Japanese decoration were added, such as the Torii Gate (traditional Japanese gate) and stone lanterns. At the same time, the greenery was strengthened and enriched and a new stone walkway was created to facilitate the disabled. The new green oasis, in this densely built-up neighborhood of Athens, contributes to the aesthetic and climatic upgrading of the area.

On Tuesday evening, the Mayor of Athens and the Japanese Ambassador attended the Natsu Matsuri festival, in the Japanese Park, where in the presence of a large number of guests, and to the sounds of the first Japanese Percussion Band in Greece, Atene Daiko – The Drums of the Sun, the traditional japanese summer festival.

In his speech, Mr. Bakoyiannis said: “This Japanese Park is proof that we can dare to be different. It is also an additional proof that Athens is developing into an open and cosmopolitan city, a self-confident city that can converse not only with its own culture, but also with cultures from all over the planet. I would like to say a very big thank you to the president of the Hellenic-Japanese Friendship Group for the idea and suggestion, as well as a very big thank you to the amazing team at JTI, who we have worked with again in the past to create the garden in front of National Archaeological Museum. We are grateful to you. I would also like to say a very big thank you to the Athens Partnership, as well as to the entire team of the Municipality of Athens.”

Japanese park in Pagrati

The Ambassador of Japan Mr. Nakayama said: “Tonight we celebrate the completion of the new symbol of Greek-Japanese friendship. The Japanese Park is an ideal location for organizing a Japanese summer festival (Natsu Matsuri). Visitors got a taste of this popular Japanese cultural event, where dressed in summer kimono (yukata) they enjoy traditional food and drinks from brightly lit booths (yomise) to the sound of traditional drums.”

Japanese park in Pagrati

“We have realized that a key condition of ensuring a sustainable future for all is for people to live in more sustainable, resilient and ‘green’ cities. Therefore, this initiative represents for us another step towards our commitment to offer to the Society, delivering to the Athenians and visitors of Athens a place of relaxation and an environment accessible to all”, emphasized the CEO of JTI, Mrs. Lili Zigoslou.

She herself expressed her warm thanks to the Mayor of Athens and the Ambassador of Japan as well as to Mr. Dimos Vratsanos, President of the Hellenic-Japanese Association, who proposed the idea of ​​a Japanese Park in Athens and the managing director of Ecoscapes, Dr. Antonis Skordilis who, together with his team, undertook the design and implementation of the project.

3,500 acres of recreation based on ‘Biophilic Design’

The Japanese Park is one of the most important recreational areas in Athens, covering an area of ​​3,500 sq.m. which was created based on “Biophilic Design”, an innovative design based on the innate human need to be in contact with nature in the modern environment. It combines symbolism and elements from various eras of Japanese tradition and changes in the landscape capture the principles of Japanese culture for a balanced representation of the elements of earth, water and fire.

The selection of plants resulted from the combination of Japanese and Mediterranean flora. The famous Japanese maples, cherry blossoms and bamboo coexist in the park with angelicas, myrtles and laurels.

The combination of pruned bushes with rocks and pebbles formed “calm” paths through the garden, while the granite seating areas created a beautiful meeting place, offering park visitors the possibility of seclusion and peace, in the “heart” city’s.

The Japanese Park is surrounded by Michalakopoulou Street, Niriido Street and Vasileos Alexandrou Avenue. It has five entrances and is easily accessible, as it is a short distance from the National Gallery, the Hilton, the Byzantine Museum and other emblematic buildings of Athens.

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