Just a few metres from the building hosting the opening ceremony of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), a Japanese man in a traditional kimono is attracting plenty of attention.
He poses for photographs with passers-by, smiles constantly and naturally stands out from the crowd.
But people become even more surprised when he tells them, “Kalatsévo ellinika” — a Pontian expression meaning “I speak Greek.”
He is not a member of the official Japanese delegation, nor an ambassador or representative visiting Thessaloniki as Japan takes centre stage as the honoured country at this year’s TIF.
He is Fukuda Kosuke, a Japanese university professor and international relations specialist who has come to Thessaloniki as a guest of the Pontian cultural association “Oi Mithrioi” of Kalamaria.
He has also brought a group of fellow Japanese who have learned Pontian dances and will perform Kotsari, Serenitsa, Tik and other traditional dances at a municipal event on Saturday afternoon, as well as at two additional appearances.
From academic research to a love of Pontian culture
Kosuke first came to Thessaloniki several years ago to pursue his academic research.
Over time, however, his interest in Greece developed into a deep affection for the country. He also discovered and fell in love with Pontian cuisine, music, dance and culture, while his contact with the Kalamaria association marked the beginning of a unique relationship.
“He used to come to our association, became a member and later an honorary member. He would come and dance Pontian dances, both himself and his wife,” association president and dance instructor Panagiotis Kirmanidis told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA).
Their relationship eventually extended beyond Greece.
“We managed to hold a seminar in Japan during COVID, in 2022. Three of us went to Japan, and then they invited us back in 2024, during the Year of Tourism and Culture,” Kirmanidis said.
A Pontian connection in Japan
Kosuke has developed such a strong connection with Pontian culture that his hometown of Okayama now has its own association.
“In our city, Okayama, we also have an association, and all of us know at least some words in Pontian,” he said.
When the invitation came to travel to Greece and perform Pontian dances during Japan’s participation as TIF’s honoured country, he did not hesitate.
The Japanese group arrived in Thessaloniki on Friday afternoon, ready to share a culture that they first encountered thousands of kilometres from the Pontus.
“When they invited us, because Japan is the honoured country, I couldn’t wait to come to Thessaloniki,” the Japanese professor said.
Culture that crosses borders
Kosuke’s story offers a striking example of how cultural connections can develop far beyond national borders.
What began with an academic visit to Thessaloniki evolved into a personal passion for Greece and Pontian culture, eventually creating a cultural bridge between Thessaloniki and Okayama.
Language, music, food and dance have brought together people separated by thousands of kilometres — from Japan to Greece and from Okayama to the Pontian community.
The Japanese group will continue presenting its Pontian repertoire next week, with performances scheduled for Wednesday at the Toumba Cultural Centre and Thursday at Pavilion 13 of TIF.
For Kosuke and his fellow dancers, the journey from Japan to Thessaloniki is more than a visit. It is another chapter in an unusual friendship built through culture, music and dance.
