Interview with Koji Sato, Director General at The Japan Foundation

An exclusive interview with Koji Sato, Director General at The Japan Foundation, Institution dedicated to carrying out comprehensive international cultural exchange programs throughout the world

In the realm of international cultural exchange, few institutions carry as much weight and prestige as The Japan Foundation. This organization, with its unwavering commitment to fostering global connections through the rich tapestry of Japanese culture, has consistently served as a beacon of diplomatic and artistic engagement on a worldwide scale.

At the helm of this influential institution is Koji Sato, the Director General of The Japan Foundation. With a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of the intricate dynamics that underpin cultural diplomacy, Mr. Sato has played a pivotal role in shaping the Foundation’s mission and enhancing its global impact.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the vision and aspirations of Koji Sato, shedding light on the profound influence of The Japan Foundation in today’s interconnected world.

Can you provide an overview of the Japan Foundation and its mission in India?

Koji Sato: The Japan Foundation is an institution that is dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and interaction, and enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation, between Japan and the rest of the world. It has offices in 26 countries, including India.

The Japan Foundation, New Delhi, is dedicated to bringing Japanese culture and language to India through its diverse programmes and initiatives. It operates in three key areas: Arts and Cultural Exchange, Japanese Language Education, and Japanese Studies/Global Partnerships.

It also has a library, which houses books from diverse genres. Through these, not only do people get the chance to learn more about Japanese culture, but they may also get the opportunity to experience the culture first-hand. The aim is to strengthen the pre-existing relationship between India and Japan.

What inspired the Japan Foundation to bring the Japanese Film Festival to India?

Koji Sato: Cinema is one of the biggest forms of entertainment in India. Movie theaters are always packed to the brim, and people are eager to know what film is releasing next. Bringing the Japanese Film Festival to a country that loves films so much was a decision that hardly needs an explanation.

Film is a medium that not only carries within it the culture from which it has originated, but also transfers that cultural knowledge to those who see it.

Building on the already amicable relationship between India and Japan, the Japanese Film Festival in India is aimed at increasing cultural knowledge and interaction between the citizens of both countries, so that the relationship is strengthened beyond the political and into the social sphere.

Can you share the history and evolution of the JFF as an annual event in India since its inception in 2017?

Koji Sato: Since its inception in 2017, JFF is the first and only film festival focused on Japan accommodated in the Multiplex in India to not limit itself to a single city, and travel across the country so that more people can familiarize themselves with Japanese cinema.

In 2019, the festival toured in 7 cities, a scale at which it had not been held before in India. A line-up of 25 films were shown, which included popular and well-acclaimed films like, Your Name, Shoplifters and Weathering With You. The genres ranged from anime to thriller to musical, so that the films could be enjoyed by the entire audience, irrespective of age.

In 2022, to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Japan, the festival focused exclusively on Makoto Shinkai, the filmmaker whose work anime fans all over India love wholeheartedly, evident from how many fans signed a petition in 2019 to bring Weathering With You to the big screen.

The festival not only showcased 6 feature films by Shinkai, but also included the recorded version of the latest tour of the rock band RADWIMPS as well as the Live Orchestra version of Your Name.

This year is the 6th edition of JFF India. It will be held in 7 cities: Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and Kolkata. The line-up consists of 10 films from diverse genres, including comedy, drama, romance and animation.

Can you discuss the efforts made to ensure that the sixth edition of the Japanese Film Festival in 2023 provides a remarkable cinematic experience for the Indian audience?

Koji Sato: This year too, we are determined to make the Japanese Film Festival an unforgettable experience for everyone. Since we wanted to give the chance to watch Japanese cinema to as many people as we could, we are touring 7 cities this year!

In addition, we also have an incredible line-up of 10 films from diverse genres like comedy, drama, romance and animation. Moreover, our line-up consists of recent films, as well as older fan favorites! These efforts have been made in order to ensure that the films are enjoyed by our audience, regardless of their age and genre preferences. There’s something for everyone!

In what ways does the Japanese Film Festival contribute to cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture and cinema in India?

Koji Sato: Curiosity about Japan and Japanese culture has been steadily growing in India, and more and more people are expressing interest and appreciation towards the culture and the various ways through which it manifests. This phenomenon has grown exponentially ever since anime has started entering the mainstream.

While there exist ample avenues for the dissemination and obtainment of cultural knowledge, film is a medium that does so while also providing entertainment. And since India is a country that wholeheartedly loves cinema, it becomes one of the best ways through which cross-cultural interaction can take place.

The Japanese Film Festival, by offering glimpses into the lifestyle, norms, behavior patterns and other cultural components of Japan, creates a space for mutual understanding and appreciation between the citizens of Japan and India.

Not only do people get the chance to understand what life is like in Japan, but they also become aware of the many similarities that exist between the two countries. Cultural cooperation and appreciation is more relevant than ever before, and the Japanese Film Festival helps facilitate and amplify these processes.

As we conclude this insightful conversation with Koji Sato, Director General at The Japan Foundation, it becomes abundantly clear that the power of culture in fostering international connections is nothing short of extraordinary.

Under Mr. Sato’s leadership, The Japan Foundation continues to play a pivotal role in promoting cultural exchange, transcending borders and bridging communities. It is evident that the Foundation’s dedication to promoting the diversity and vibrancy of Japanese culture on a global scale is a testament to the unifying power of art, language, and shared experiences.

With a vision that extends far beyond its borders, The Japan Foundation stands as a remarkable testament to the positive impact that cultural diplomacy can have on the world. We extend our gratitude to Mr. Koji Sato for sharing his insights and experiences, and we look forward to witnessing the Foundation’s continued success in the dynamic landscape of international cultural exchange.

Read more Success stories of Indian entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurs & startups stories at SugerMint. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn