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INTERVIEW WITH THE DIRECTOR OF THE ITALIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE IN JAPAN, MRS. SILVANA DE MAIO

A distant world in many ways, starting of course with geography, but Japan and Italy have something that links them, sometimes in a totally unexpected way: culture and social transformation.
The Osaka Expo 2025 represents an opportunity to bring the two worlds together and allow them to get to know each other better. In this sense, the activity of the Institute of Culture of Italy in Tokyo is fundamental.
Silvana De Maio has been coordinating its activities as director of the same institute since 2022. A privileged vantage point to observe
this reality with an emphasis on all aspects
of art and a focus on social dynamics.

Japan is experiencing years of profound transformation. The image of a country where everyone works for the large Japanese multinationals - giants ranging from electronics to cars - is leaving room for small private initiative. A pattern that makes us closer. The protagonists of this transformation are young people.
‘In Japan there has always been a reality of small and medium-sized enterprises,’ explains Director De Maio, ‘and perhaps that is one of the reasons why we are so close to Italy. It’s true. There are the big realities such as Honda or Suzuki to name but in the many different prefectures, perhaps far from Tokyo, there are smaller realities. I am thinking for example of the companies that produce the components’. A model that could recall what happens, for example, in some regions of northern and southern Italy for the automotive industry.
‘Moreover,’ insists the director with an enthusiasm that leaks passion and knowledge of the country, ‘now, as a reflection of the massive arrival of foreigners, both eastern and western, including many Italians, there is a huge return of attention to traditional productions such as, for example, agricultural production. These realities are booming. To make you understand the impact it has on the country there is a useful fact: every morning the national TV stations present a sector to the general public. For example, sake is having a huge success: there is a strong demand for licences to open new small production companies. Courses for sake tasters are developing, both for Japanese and foreigners. It is not just a fad,’ he points out. This dynamic is reminiscent of what has happened and is happening in Italy with the wine sector: tradition and many jobs for young people. ‘Obviously there are the big companies, but small companies are springing up that are finding an interest. And this is also happening in the food sector: I’m thinking of the production of seaweed for fusion cuisine or that of local products such as tofu or misu.
‘Local craftsmanship is a sector where there are more and more companies,’ explains De Maio, ‘There is an undergrowth in turmoil that may not be noticed at first glance. Young people are discovering that there is interest in all these sectors’.
The activities of the Italian Cultural Institute in Tokyo date back to 1939. The building, which was destroyed during the bombing of World War II, has been renovated several times, most recently in 2003 to a design by architect Gae Aulenti. Since 1997, the teaching of the Italian language has had a boost that has seen the number of students enrolled rise to the current 4,000.
“Italians are increasing a lot. Compared to 30 years ago, they have more than doubled. Beyond the big companies that have been here for decades. In this the role of the embassy acts as a bridge between Italian and Japanese companies. From agribusiness to space. Itaila always arouses a lot of interest’. “Japan is also in a moment of change in its relations with the Belpaese: ‘Especially for culture we are in a phase of transition,’ he emphasises. ‘For decades Italian culture was known by the country’s elite, now this stratum of society is leaving its legacy to the new generations. There are beginning to be young people who are very interested in Italy, its music, cinema and cuisine itself, but with a background that must be cultivated, must be enriched’. There are economic aspects that obviously have an influence: ‘With the devaluation of the yen, the young people who manage to come to Italy are not many. It’s generally difficult for Japanese people to leave their country, also because they live well’. The comparison with Italy and its young people is automatic. The role that Microcredit has played is important and has helped many new small entrepreneurs who, like their Japanese counterparts, need a push to start their own businesses.
The Italian Institute of Tokyo coordinates the activities and contributes to the process of spreading Italian culture: “As an Institute we are hosting some of the realities that are presenting themselves at Expo 2025 Osaka. Many Italians come both to make contacts and to understand the prospects for promoting their cultural sector. Those who come to Japan from Italy always pass through Tokyo. Teaming up is
important because you get to know the country better, exchange information and knowledge. By working together you are able to reach more areas of interest’. ‘As an institute we are really developing many projects,’ recalls Di Maio. ‘Soon we will have a symposium on Italo Calvino here at the Institute’s headquarters and at Tokyo University. Then there will be a round table on the 60th anniversary of the Venice Charter for the Conservation of World Heritage, a document from ‘64’.”
“The Japanese state continues to invest in culture, but publishing companies also play a great role in the realisation of large exhibitions riding the Expo wave. We collaborate with some important realities: one boast is the Italian Film Festival that we realise in collaboration with Cinecittà’.
In Japan, the average age of the population is high, as in Italy, and we are beginning to see poverty phenomena to which the inhabitants were not accustomed. ‘Poverty is obviously everywhere, even in Japan,’ says Di Maio, ‘It is increasing unfortunately. Now there are also frequent announcements on TV about setting up food banks to help the destitute. The economic crisis is also beginning to be visible on a social level’. In these spaces, one rediscovers the importance of Social Credit in Italy. Even in Japan, there is a kind of facilitation of access to Microcredit. The state with specific government policies facilitates loans for Small and Medium Enterprises and entrepreneurs. The growth of this sector is supporting local growth and development. The transformation of the Japanese economy, traditionally characterised by the presence of large multinationals and corporate ‘loyalty’ in the sense of difficulty in changing employers, is underway. A transformation that also affects social dynamics.
“Here, for example, single mothers are in great difficulty. Children often have a meal only because they go to compulsory school where it is given to everyone. Before it was taboo to talk about poverty; now they are starting to communicate it. An attempt to prevent the marginalisation of the weakest’.

The Osaka Expo 2025 kicked off on 13 April. It is scheduled to end on 13 October. Italy is present with its own pavilion designed by Mario Cucinella Architect and proposes an interpretation of the Italian Renaissance city with squares, porticoes, gardens and meeting places.
The theme chosen is 'Art Regenerates Life': the aim is to present Italy's excellence: from scientific research to classical and contemporary art, from design to craftsmanship.