Japanese journalists explore culture in Jekabpils municipality

Journalists from leading Japanese media visited Jekabpils municipality during a week-long trip to Latvia to learn about the country and report on it to audiences in Japan, LSM reported. They were particularly impressed by the region’s nature, welcoming people and traditional foods.

Japan remains a relatively unfamiliar and exotic destination for Latvia, said Japanese journalist Michiko Ono Amsden. “Our goal is for people in Japan to learn more about Latvia, which is currently associated simply with being one of the Baltic states and seems exotic. Each of us wants to introduce our audiences to Latvia’s appeal and what the country can offer,” she said.

The delegation included a representative of Japan’s tourism marketing organisation and five journalists writing for leading Japanese publications including Madame Figaro and Transit.

One of the group’s first points of interest was the manager of Sēļu sēta, the open-air section of the Jekabpils History Museum, who greeted the visitors in a Sēlian folk costume. After photographs were taken, the journalists toured the exhibition.

The visitors enthusiastically explored the history, culture and traditions of Sēlija. They paid particular attention to linden blossom and peppermint tea, which they were able to photograph and taste. Latvia’s natural environment and culinary heritage also made an impression.

“I really like bread, and I was especially looking forward to tasting rye bread. It is truly very tasty. Nature here is rich, the people are very warm, and the food is also delicious,” said Japanese journalist Miki Imai.

The journalists also showed interest in a soap-making workshop.

The Jekabpils Tourism Information Centre said this was a special visit because the municipality had never before hosted media representatives who had travelled from so far away. Until now, it had mainly welcomed visitors from nearby European countries, including Lithuania, Poland and Hungary.