January 11, 2026. The Westin Palace, Milan.
There’s a magical moment when two seemingly distant worlds meet and discover they speak the same language. That’s exactly what happened at JAPAN DAY by EVA Air, an event that transformed a Milanese day into an authentic journey through the thousand facets of Japan. Powered by EVA Air and organized by us at Japan Italy Bridge, this gathering wasn’t simply an institutional presentation, but a true cultural bridge where tradition and innovation, taste and pop imagination intertwined naturally and engagingly.
Milan-Tokyo: closer than you think
The day opened with Eric Hsueh, General Manager of EVA Air, who shared a clear vision with us: making Japan more accessible from Italy. And not just Tokyo. Thanks to daily flights from Milan and the strategic stopover in Taipei, it’s now possible to easily reach destinations that until recently seemed almost mythical: Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Sendai, Okinawa. Taipei isn’t just a technical stop—it’s a smart hub that opens the doors to a different Japan, less touristy and more authentic. Perfect for those who want to explore beyond the beaten paths and truly immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
Japan told by those who live it
The beating heart of JAPAN DAY was represented by thematic panels, genuine moments of dialogue where experts, chefs, influencers, and professionals shared their direct experience of Japan.
FOOD – The art of balance in cuisine
Why does Japanese cuisine captivate us so much? The answer went far beyond sushi and ramen. Chef Hiro, Andrea Cocco Hirai, and Akira Yoshida took us on a journey through umami, respect for raw ingredients, and balance of flavors. Concepts that, surprisingly, dialogue perfectly with Italian gastronomic tradition. Perhaps that’s why we feel so at home when we taste a well-made Japanese dish.
SAKE & PARMIGIANO REGGIANO – An unexpected encounter
Who would have thought? Sake and Parmigiano Reggiano have more in common than we imagine. Lorenzo Ferraboschi, together with representatives from the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, revealed how both share a production philosophy based on time, territory, and artisanal knowledge. A gastronomic dialogue that opens fascinating and unexpected scenarios.
CULTURE – When two worlds recognize each other
Kenta Suzuki, Alberto Moro, and Andrea Cocco Hirai explored the deep affinities between Italy and Japan: the importance of family, food as a moment of sharing, aesthetics, and meticulous attention to detail. Of course, the differences are there and they’re many, but it’s precisely this contrast that makes the dialogue so rich and stimulating.
TOURISM – Toward authentic experiences
Tourism is changing. Alberto Taiana from EVA Air, Erika Swan from Your Japan Tour, and travel influencer Federica Di Nardo discussed how travelers are increasingly seeking personalized, sustainable, and genuine experiences. No longer just photos in front of Fushimi Inari, but real immersions into everyday Japanese life.
ANIME, MANGA & COSPLAY – From Pac-Man to One Piece
The most colorful and cross-cutting panel of the day celebrated the global impact of Japanese pop culture. The historic voices of Italian animation—Gianluca Iacono, Claudio Moneta, Renato Novara—together with cosplayer Hime Lily, shared how anime and manga have shaped entire generations, becoming a universal language that unites Italy and Japan.
When networking meets tradition
The evening concluded with an exclusive aperitivo that blended business and pleasure in perfect Italian-Japanese style. A Taiko performance ignited the atmosphere, while guests enjoyed offerings from Akira Ramen, Kirin Ichiban, Sake Company, and naturally Parmigiano Reggiano. An informal yet precious moment, where authentic connections were made and new projects were born.
More than an event: a mission
JAPAN DAY wasn’t just a successful event (with approximately 60% actual attendance compared to registrations, a figure that confirms high interest in quality initiatives). It was a concrete demonstration of what Japan Italy Bridge does every day: building solid, authentic, and respectful bridges between Italy and Japan.
Through events, cultural projects, and conscious storytelling, we work to tell the story of Japan in a truthful and contemporary way, overcoming stereotypes and valuing the richness of a culture that still has so much to share with us.
Want to stay updated on upcoming events and discover authentic stories about Japan?
Follow us on Instagram @japanitalybridge and visit our website japanitalybridge.com.
For collaborations and projects: angela@japanitalybridge.com
The bridge between Italy and Japan is always open. Let’s cross it together.