Embassy of Japan in Iceland

16/09/2026

Thank you for inviting our embassy to be part of the school's anniversary celebrations. It was a pleasure to celebrate this special milestone with students, families, staff, and friends.

Congratulations to the Hotel and Culinary School of Menntaskólinn í Kópavogi on 30 remarkable years, and best wishes for the future! 🎉 🇯🇵🤝🇮🇸

Það var heldur betur líf og fjör í Hótel- og matvælaskóla Menntaskólans í Kópavogi á dögunum þegar 30 ára afmæli skólans var fagnað. Húsið fylltist af gestum og segir Haraldur Jóhann Sæmundsson, framkvæmdastjóri skólans, að aðsóknin hafi farið fram úr björtustu vonum.

11/09/2026

📚READ JAPAN PROJECT 2025 Book Donation Ceremony📚

On September 9, a donation ceremony was held at Landsbókasafn Íslands - Háskólabókasafn under the READ JAPAN PROJECT 2025, a book donation initiative aimed at promoting understanding of Japan. The project is administered by the Tokyo Foundation and funded by The Nippon Foundation 日本財団.

A total of 44 English-language books were donated. The collection includes titles on contemporary Japanese society and history, Japanese culture and literature, and Japanese language learning, as well as books on Japan’s politics, diplomacy, security, and local communities, in addition to manga works.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Mr. Örn Hrafnkelsson, National Librarian of the National and University Library of Iceland, and Ambassador Takewaka delivered remarks. Following the speeches, attendees browsed through the donated books with great interest and explored their contents.

It is our hope that this donation will further stimulate interest in Japan in Iceland, deepen understanding of Japanese society and culture, and contribute to the advancement of education and research activities.

Japanese: https://www.is.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/20260909.html

09/09/2026

🇯🇵🇮🇸 Ambassador Takewaka attended the opening reception of the Japan–Iceland Cultural Exchange Exhibition at ART67 gallerí last Saturday.
The exhibition, featuring works by Japanese and Icelandic artists inspired by the theme of Water, will remain open until the end of September.

08/09/2026

On September 5, the Embassy of Japan in Iceland hosted a Japanese cuisine lecture and cooking demonstration at the Hotel and Culinary School of Menntaskólinn í Kópavogi.

The event was organized to promote a deeper understanding of Japanese food culture and to further strengthen exchanges between Japan and Iceland. A large number of participants attended the event.

During the demonstration, Chef Takasawa, the official chef at the Embassy of Japan in Iceland, introduced two dishes: Icelandic Lamb Miso Teriyaki Donburi and Eggplant Agebitashi (Eggplant in Dashi Broth). Participants also learned about key elements of washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine), including dashi, umami, and fermented foods. The role and significance of fermented seasonings such as miso, soy sauce, mirin, and sake in Japanese cuisine were explained.

In addition, the chef demonstrated how to prepare dashi using kombu (kelp), katsuobushi (bonito flakes), and dried shiitake mushrooms. Participants were also given an opportunity to taste the dashi, allowing them to experience firsthand the umami flavor that forms the foundation of Japanese cuisine.

The event concluded with a tasting session and Q&A, providing a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding of Japan through Japanese cuisine and promote exchanges between Japan and Iceland.

Japanese: https://www.is.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/20260905.html

Photo by Jun Horinouchi

02/09/2026

Opening Reception – Japan–Iceland Cultural Exchange Exhibition

We are pleased to share this cultural event organized by Japanese and Icelandic artists.

📅 5 September (Sat) | 🕑 14:00–16:00
📍 ART67 gallerí, Reykjavík

Explore artworks inspired by Water, enjoy gallery talks, and experience a live Japanese calligraphy performance.

27/08/2026

spássían, co-curated by Katrín Björg Gunnarsdóttir and Úlfur Bragi Einarsson, opens today at Hafnarborg at 20:00.

Katrín is currently pursuing a PhD at Tama Art University in Japan as a recipient of the Japanese Government (文部科学省 MEXT) Scholarship.

Congratulations to Katrín and Úlfur on this exciting exhibition!

For more information:
https://hafnarborg.is/en/event/opening-margins-and-bjarmaband/

10/08/2026

🇯🇵 A new Japanese restaurant, SHIRO, has opened at Pósthússtræti 17 in Reykjavík! This Icelandic heritage house, built in 1907, has been beautifully restored with its exterior facade preserved.
To celebrate the opening, Ambassador Takewaka stopped by and enjoyed some delicious takeaway karaage and gyoza.
For the time being, SHIRO will mainly offer takeaway while preparations continue for its full opening.
Congratulations to the SHIRO team on their opening, and we wish them every success!

07/08/2026

From Ambassador (JMSDF Training Squadron Overseas Training Cruise to Reykjavik)

From July 28 to 31, as part of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Training Squadron Overseas Training Cruise 2026, “JS Kashima” and “JS Yamagiri” made a port call in Iceland. Blessed with fine weather, the two ships stood out beautifully against the scenic backdrop of Reykjavík.

JMSDF Training Squadron Overseas Training Cruise is a time-honored activity for education and training, as well as goodwill and friendship that began in 1957. This inaugural port call in Iceland was a truly significant event.

First, the visit of 530 personnel, including trainee officers, was a huge success, marking a highlight of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Iceland. This was the first time Iceland had received JMSDF vessels. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Coast Guard of Iceland for their tremendous cooperation in hosting the visit. During the five-day stay, the crew engaged in extensive interactions with the Icelandic people, Japanese residents, and the local diplomatic corps through events such as ship tours, receptions, and a concert at Harpa, all of which were thoroughly enjoyed by the attendees. Vice Admiral Pedre (Commander, NATO Allied Maritime Command/MARCOM) also traveled from the UK to participate in the events.

Second, the approximately 180 young trainee officers demonstrated great enthusiasm and exemplary conduct, actively conversing with guests and extending warm hospitality at the receptions. I, too, was asked questions about what one should study to become an ambassador. This event served not only as a wonderful opportunity for people-to-people exchange but also as a venue for practical education and training—a "graduate school at sea," so to speak. The fact that so many young Japanese people experienced Iceland firsthand sends a positive message back home, and I hope they will continue to share the charms of Iceland after their return.

Finally, despite it being the summer holiday season, many people from both Iceland and Japan turned out for the arrival and departure of the “JS Kashima” and “JS Yamagiri”. I was deeply struck by the strength of the bond between our two nations, forged through our connection to the sea. Needless to say, both of our nations—island countries surrounded by the sea—share the thought that the rule of law and the sustainability of marine resources are of paramount importance. At the same time, I believe we share a common, deep feeling for the ocean. I waved a vigorous farewell as the ship departed; I hope that they will come again in future.

Japanese: https://www.is.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/topics202607.html