“This festival has provided a space for cultural, economic, and humanitarian encounters between the two countries to grow and develop,” Lodya Habsanthiara Mone, counselor for social and cultural information at KBRI Tokyo, said in a press release received in Jakarta on Tuesday.
According to Mone, the festival was not only a celebration of extraordinary maritime traditions, but also a symbol of hope, resilience, and collaboration between the two nations.
Mone also welcomed the growing cooperation between Indonesia and Kesennuma, particularly in fisheries, maritime affairs, and human resource development.
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“Specifically, regarding Indonesian workers living and working in Kesennuma, we hope they receive support, protection, and good welfare. We also hope that in the future, there will be increased cooperation to advance human resources in the fisheries and maritime sectors,” she added.
Meanwhile, Kesennuma Mayor Shigeru Sugawara expressed his appreciation for Indonesia’s support and participation in Kesennuma Minato Matsuri, noting that many Indonesian technical interns took part in the festival.
He said that many Indonesians are actively supporting local industries, such as fishing vessel operations and seafood processing.
He further noted that locally-led exchanges and support initiatives, particularly in economy and culture, are thriving.
“Within the city, places like Indonesian restaurants and prayer rooms have been established, including gathering places for the Indonesian community. I feel the bond between Indonesia and our city is growing stronger every year,” Sugawara added.
The Kesennuma Minato Matsuri Cultural Parade, or Kesennuma Port Festival, was held in Kesennuma city, Miyagi Prefecture, on August 1 and 2, 2025.
The festival has been held by the Kesennuma city government every summer since 1951.
Since 2003, the Kesennuma Minato Matsuri has always opened with an Indonesian cultural parade, attended by the Indonesian diaspora and friends of Indonesia and Japan.
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Translator: Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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