The year 2009 marks two anniversaries for both Japan and Hungary: the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Hungary and the 40th anniversary of the resumption of those relations.
Diplomatic relations between Japan and Hungary began in 1869, in the time of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. After World War Two diplomatic relations were resumed in August 1959, in 1960 both countries opened diplomatic representations and in 1964 raised them to the rank of embassy.
After 1989, following the change of system in Hungary there was a great expansion of relations between the two countries, thanks in part to Japanese support. Since then relations between the two countries have developed steadily in the political, economic and cultural fields. This is eloquently reflected in the series of events presenting Japanese culture during the festival.