Background of the launch of the Executive Committee
Hirotada Shirai, the chairman of the executive committee, studied abroad in Heidelberg, Germany, when he was a student and learned about German culture there. The warm and lively atmosphere, handmade crafts, delicious hot wine and chocolate, and sparkling illuminations of the Christmas Market, which has been a longtime favorite in Germany… If only Himeji could have such a wonderful event, I thought, a new wind would surely blow in Himeji.
Himeji Castle has a tourism friendship agreement with Neuschwanstein Castle in Munich, Germany. Neuschwanstein Castle is a very beautiful castle that is said to have served as the model for Disneyland’s Cinderella Castle. It is because of this connection with Germany that we would like to hold a Christmas market.
While cherishing the traditions and culture of Himeji, we will create a more attractive Himeji by fusing them with German culture. That is why the Christmas Market Executive Committee was set up, not for a mere event, but to energize Himeji, to create the future of Himeji, and to create a Himeji that we can all be proud of.
Name
Hirotada Shirai
Hometown
Nibuno, Himeji City
Academic background
Masui Junior High School, Himeji Nishi Senior High School, Doshisha University School of Commerce, studied abroad at the University of Washington
