The year 2018 marks the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and France, as well as the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Meiji era, when Japan opened itself to the West.

To mark these auspicious occasions, the governments of France and Japan are supporting a rich Japanese cultural season, Japonismes 2018 - a small piece of Japan, interspersed for all to enjoy in Paris, in Île-de-France, and throughout the country from July 2018 to February 2019. 

Consisting of a galaxy of exhibitions, theaters, concerts, cinema, gastronomy, art de vivre, dance and sport, Japonismes 2018 features more than 50 events which will fill the largest and most important cultural institutions throughout the region of Paris: the Centre Pompidou, Philharmonie de Paris, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Chaillot-Théâtre national de la Danse, Grande halle de la Vilette, Maison de la culture du Japon à Paris, Théâtre national de la Colline, Cinémathèque française, Théâtre de la Ville, and more. 

It is an opportunity for the public to immerse themselves in all facets of Japanese culture in beautiful locations and in an innovative manner. The title, Japonismes 2018, refers to the expression used for first enthusiastic interest of French artists for this culture during the 19th century, when painters became greatly influenced by Japanese prints of that time. 

Today, a century and a half later, this great cultural season will strengthen the ties of friendship between the two peoples and will showcase their common sensibility: a deep interest for a harmonious aesthetic and a taste for the art de vivre.