Japanese professor promotes Pontian culture in Thessaloniki

Japanese university professor and international relations expert Kosuke Fukuda has gained local attention in Thessaloniki for his deep connection to Pontian culture. Visiting during the Thessaloniki International Fair, Fukuda has become an honorary member of the Pontian Association ‘The Mithrioi’ of Kalamaria.

Fukuda, who often wears a traditional kimono, has developed a profound interest in Pontian music, cuisine, and dance. He and a group of Japanese nationals have learned traditional Pontian dances, such as the kotsari and serenitsa, and are scheduled to perform them at local municipal events.

The cultural exchange extends to Japan, where Fukuda and his associates organized seminars on Pontian culture as early as 2022. This initiative aims to strengthen the cultural ties between Greece and Japan through shared traditions.