Article ｜Interview

Even if you have never been to Japan, you’ve probably come across its culture—through anime or sushi in Belgium.

 But Japan is not only something you experience from afar. Here in Brussels, the Embassy of Japan is a place where Japan and Belgium meet in everyday work and exchange, with local Belgian staff playing an active role as well.

 We spoke with Mr. Leander Jamart to discover what daily life at the embassy looks like, and how the team helps bring Japan closer and more familiar to people in Belgium.

♦ Where are you from, and how were you influenced by Japan during your childhood?

I grew up in Leuven, a city next to Brussels. During my childhood, I did not have any particular connection with Japan, but I had always loved learning languages, which naturally led me to develop an interest in Japanese. Eventually, I enrolled in Japanese Studies at KU Leuven University.

♦ What led you to work at the Japanese Embassy?

A senior alumnus from the Japanese Studies department was already working at the embassy and he introduced me to the job opening. At the time, I was still writing my master’s thesis, but I applied almost as a way to commemorate my job-hunting experience. I honestly never expected to be hired, but of course I hoped to work there if I passed the selection process. It was a very happy surprise.

♦ What skills or experiences have been useful in your current role?

At the time, being able to speak Dutch was one of the requirements for the position. Since I speak Dutch, French, English, and Japanese, being multilingual may have been a significant advantage. I have also always had a personal interest in diplomacy and international relations, which became a strong motivation for working at the embassy.

♦ What kind of cultural programs does the embassy organize to promote exchanges between Japan and Belgium?

Diplomacy is often associated with politics and formal negotiations. However, cultural exchange is also an essential part of diplomatic work.

For example, ambassadors and diplomats from the Embassy of Japan in Belgium sometimes visit events such as Aikido training camps—a martial art originating from Japan. Through such visits and exchanges, they help promote mutual understanding between Belgium and Japan and raise awareness of the strong cultural ties.

In addition, the Embassy’s Japan Information and Cultural Center (JICC) regularly hosts a wide range of events open to the public, including “Let’s Speak Japanese” meetings. Exhibitions, lectures on Japan-related topics, and even concerts are also organized throughout the year.

 Even when no events are taking place, JICC is open to visitors. The public is always welcome to drop by, and library materials can be borrowed freely.

♦ Could you share a recent example of a cultural event or project the embassy was involved in, and explain the process from planning to implementation?

Our daily work is extremely diverse. 

One recent example this year has been arranging support for projects certified as part of the 160th anniversary commemorative program. When an organization approaches us with the idea of hosting a project introducing Japanese culture, we first consider how the embassy can cooperate.

  Recently, for example, we coordinated the certification of a photo exhibition about “Aoshima,” the island famous for its many cats. Whenever events related to Japan are held, we also work closely with local municipalities and organizations.

In addition to responding to requests, we also take proactive initiatives by participating in events and organizing workshops ourselves. Last summer, we planned and held a two-day event at Parc du Cinquantenaire/Jubelpark introducing Japanese culture. 

 We were involved in the planning and coordination of the event, which was organized in cooperation with local authorities.

♦ Have you ever found it difficult to introduce Japanese culture in Belgium? If so, how did you handle those situations?

Japanese culture is already familiar to many people, but often only at a basic level, such as sushi or anime. One challenge is finding ways to explain lesser-known aspects of Japanese culture to Belgian audiences whose cultural backgrounds may be completely different. 

 I have learned from my Japanese colleagues as well, and I continue striving to explain things as accurately and confidently as possible.

♦ Could you describe what a “busy day” at the embassy looks like?

Our responsibilities cover a wide range of tasks, including event preparations, arranging transportation, and booking venues. Conducting on-site inspections is also an important part of the job.

 For example, when important Japanese officials visit Belgium, schedules move literally minute by minute, so we visit meeting locations in advance to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. 

 On other days, we might go to schools to introduce hiragana and katakana, or hold workshops to talk about Japanese culture. Every day is truly different.

 Sometimes, when introducing Japanese culture, people are surprised to discover that something they know actually originated in Japan. For example, Hello Kitty. I didn't even know when I was a child that it originally came from Japan!

♦ Is there any achievement or initiative by the embassy that is not widely known to the public?

Perhaps this JICC (laughs).

Anyone can visit during opening hours without making a reservation, but since it is located inside the embassy, visitors must go through a security check, which may make it seem a little intimidating to enter.   However, there are of course no nationality restrictions, and anyone interested in Japan is more than welcome to visit, so please feel free to come by.

A variety of events are also held periodically at Japan Information and Cultural Centre.

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