On September 22, 2024, the First Nepal Festival Matsudo Chiba was successfully held in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Organized by the NRNA Japan Chiba Regional Committee, with major support from the Kanto Regional Committee, the festival aimed to preserve Nepalese art and culture and introduce it to the Japanese community. The event also served as an invitation for Japanese citizens to visit Nepal and experience its rich cultural heritage.
The festival was a collaborative effort involving various organizations, including the Embassy of Nepal in Japan, the Matsudo International Culture Exchange Association (MIEA), Matsudo City Hall, Matsudo Tourism Board, and the Matsudo Chamber of Commerce. It marked the first time such a festival was held in Chiba, reflecting the growing ties between Nepalese and Japanese communities.
Despite busy schedules, the event was honored by the presence of several distinguished guests. Chief Guest Honorable Minister of Labor and Employment, Mr. Sarad Singh Bhandari, and Special Guest His Excellency Dr. Durga Bahadur Subedi, Nepal’s Ambassador to Japan, added significance to the festival. The Mayor of Matsudo City also attended, along with other notable figures such as NRNA ICC Vice President Mr. Robin Sherchan, NRNA Japan President Mr. Navin Niure, and Youth Vice President Mr. Roshan Thapa. Several representatives from Japanese organizations, as well as key NRNA figures, including Asia-Pacific Coordinator Mr. Deepak Kandel, Youth Coordinator Mr. Bikash Basnet, and Women Coordinator Mrs. Anita Gurung, also participated.
The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, local businesses that set up stalls, and talented artists who performed, showcasing the vibrant cultural traditions of Nepal. Their contributions were instrumental in making the festival a grand success.
Special recognition goes to Mr. Rajab Babu Subedi, Treasurer of the Chiba Regional Committee, and Mr. Samir Jung Khadka, Coordinator of the Chiba Regional Committee, for their leadership in organizing the event. Mr. Mukti Raj Regmi, Chief Patron of the Chiba Regional Committee, and the entire Chiba and Kanto Regional Committees also played critical roles in the festival’s success.
The First Nepal Festival Matsudo Chiba was not just a celebration of Nepalese culture but also a symbol of the growing friendship between Nepal and Japan. It provided an excellent platform for cultural exchange and strengthened ties between the two nations. The organizers expressed their heartfelt thanks to all attendees, sponsors, and contributors for their support in making the event a resounding success. image: nrna japan
