29 January 2008
Corsica is celebrating the 150-year anniversary of its Franco-Japanese relationship this year.
Throughout the year events will be organised in the French capital Paris, as well as in various regions in France such as Corsica, to commemorate 150 years of friendship and mutual influence in arts.
In 1858, the two countries signed a treaty of peace, friendship and commerce, marking Japan's decision to open to the Western world after centuries of isolationism.
Japanese artist and painter Morio Matsui, 66, who has lived in Corsica since 1997, told Club-Corsica: "In Corsica, people do not need to travel, the island has all the landscapes, it is incredible, even Japanese landscapes, wonderful ones!"
Ange Santini, president of the Executive Assembly of Corsica, also expressed his hope to welcome more Japanese students on the island in future years, but also his hope to share scientific and industrial projects with the Asian country.
The president explained that trading opportunities would also increase, mentioning possibilities to export Corsican wine, charcuterie, cheese, chestnuts and honey.
Last year the island heralded the creation of Corsexport, a regional plan set up to develop international exports.
