On March 16, 2025, the Romanian Cultural Institute in Tokyo marks Francophonie Day with a special event organized in collaboration with the French Institute in Tokyo. The event includes three distinct components that highlight Romanian culture through film, literature, and gastronomy.
Film Screening
ICR Tokyo presents the dramedy The New Year That Never Was (2024), directed by Bogdan Mureșanu. The film will be screened at the French Institute cinema in Tokyo on March 16, starting at 6:00 PM. Admission is free, subject to available seats.
A tragicomedy set in a single day before the 1989 Revolution, where the characters seek normality, safety, love, freedom, and meaning in an absurd world fueled by fear.
Venice Festival
• Best Film (Orizzonti section) - Bogdan Mureșanu
• FIPRESCI Trophy (Orizzonti section) - Bogdan Mureșanu
• Authors under 40 “Valentina Pedicini” - Special mention for cinematography - Boróka Biró
• Bisato d'Oro Trophy for screenplay - Bogdan Mureșanu
Showcase of Romanian editorial materials
The library/media library of the French Institute in Tokyo hosts a selection of books and albums about Romanian culture, history, and civilization, published by the Romanian Cultural Institute and translated into French. As part of the Francophone initiative, ICR Tokyo receives free display shelves from the French Institute to make these resources more accessible to the public over an extended period.
A Romanian recipe on the French Institute restaurant menu
To add a gastronomic touch to the event, the French Institute restaurant in Tokyo includes an iconic Romanian dessert on the menu: papanași with jam. These were chosen because of the popularity of sweets in Japanese culture and the ease with which they can be prepared and served. The recipe can be viewed here:https://savoriurbane.com/papanasi-prajiti-reteta-traditionala-cu-smantana-si-dulceata/ The full schedule can be read here: https://culture.institutfrancais.jp/fr/event/journee-de-la-francophonie-2025-a-linstitut-francais-de-tokyo Through this event, ICR Tokyo contributes to promoting Romanian culture during Francophonie Day, offering the Japanese and international audience an insight into Romania's film, literature, and cuisine.
