The Hellenic-Japanese bond was beautifully celebrated at EMBCA’s recent event titled “Hellenic/Japanese Relations: Lafcadio Hearn to the Tokei Maru”, held in Athens on September 26, 2024. This sold-out gathering, which took place at the Demos Center of The American College of Greece, successfully fostered cultural exchange between the two nations, commemorating historical events that have defined their ties.
The event was sponsored by the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce (EMBCA) and hosted by Mary Cardaras, Director of the Demos Center. The evening was a compelling combination of art, history, and diplomacy, with a distinguished panel of speakers, including critically acclaimed multimedia artist Agni Zotis, and renowned filmmaker and writer Zaharias (Zachos) Samoladas.
The evening's discussions centered on two significant historical moments: the 120th anniversary of the passing of Lafcadio Hearn (a renowned Hellenic-Irish writer who became an icon in Japan, known as Yakumo Koizumi), and the heroism of Captain T. Morito and his crew of the Japanese merchant ship Tokei Maru, who rescued thousands of Greeks and Armenians during the catastrophic burning of Smyrna in 1922.
Agni Zotis: The Power of Art in Bridging Cultures
Agni Zotis, a New York-based multimedia artist, took the stage to present her Fireflies Series, a stunning collection of paintings inspired by Lafcadio Hearn’s writings, Japanese haiku about fireflies (or hotaru), and the brave actions of the Tokei Maru during the Smyrna catastrophe. Zotis, known for her evocative and meditative art, beautifully connected the delicate symbolism of fireflies in Japanese culture with the themes of light, life, and survival. Her paintings were a poignant tribute to the enduring connection between the Hellenic and Japanese people.
Zotis’s creative process, which blends modern techniques with ancient traditions, reflects the deeper universality of the themes she explores—human survival, resilience, and the power of memory. Her work added a visual and emotional depth to the evening’s discussions, grounding the historical narrative in the present through art.
Zaharias Samoladas: Bringing the Story of the Tokei Maru to Life
Alongside Zotis, Zaharias (Zachos) Samoladas, an accomplished producer, director, animator, and editor, shared his profound research on the Tokei Maru, a Japanese merchant ship that played a pivotal role in saving countless lives during the burning of Smyrna. Samoladas, who co-wrote a book titled Tokei Maru with his wife, Eleni Andriadou, provided a detailed account of the ship's courageous mission, shedding light on the remarkable bravery of the crew under Captain T. Morito.
The Tokei Maru’s daring rescue mission remains a testament to the humanitarian spirit that transcends borders and nationalities. Samoladas’s presentation illuminated this forgotten chapter of history, revealing how the Tokei Maru’s actions cemented the deep bond between Japan and Greece—a bond that continues to resonate today.
Honoring the Humanitarian Spirit
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the EMBCA Humanitarian Award, which was bestowed upon His Excellency Koichi Ito, the Japanese Ambassador to Greece. The award was given in recognition of the humanity and bravery demonstrated by the Tokei Maru crew, who risked their lives to rescue Greek and Armenian civilians in the aftermath of the 1922 Smyrna fire. In a moving speech, Ambassador Ito acknowledged the long-standing friendship between Japan and Greece, underscoring the importance of recognizing the heroes whose actions saved thousands and forever altered the course of history.
Following the award presentation, Ambassador Ito’s heartfelt remarks were a powerful reminder of the shared values of compassion and resilience that connect the two nations. His reflections underscored the lasting legacy of the Tokei Maru’s heroic mission and its impact on future generations.
A Night of Music and Diplomacy
The event was not only a celebration of history and art but also a delightful evening of cultural exchange, with musical performances that complemented the mood. The cocktail hour was enlivened by the soulful sounds of Miss Saxo Vaya (Vaya Kalantzi), while renowned composer and accordion soloist Zoe Tiganouria, accompanied by percussionist Stelios Generalis, took the stage later in the evening. Their performances provided a fitting backdrop to the stories of heroism and cultural ties shared throughout the event.
A Call to Recognize Greece’s True Legacy
The evening’s discussions also reflected a broader message—the importance of remembering the sacrifices and contributions that have shaped the Hellenic-Japanese relationship. The event marked not only a remembrance of Lafcadio Hearn’s literary legacy but also a recognition of the courage displayed by the Japanese during a dark chapter of Greek history. This poignant gathering in Athens emphasized the timeless importance of honoring and learning from history, fostering an ongoing dialogue between cultures, and celebrating the shared values of humanity.
The success of the event, which was attended by ambassadors, dignitaries, and art enthusiasts from around the world, reflects the enduring relevance of cultural exchange and the powerful impact of the Hellenic-Japanese connection. For those who missed the event, a video of the panel discussion and award ceremony will allow viewers to experience the powerful narratives and history that were shared in this memorable evening.
As the Tokei Maru’s legacy continues to inspire, the partnership between Greece and Japan remains stronger than ever, reminding us of the profound impact of shared history, art, and humanity.
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