Following a long tradition of intercultural dialogue and international cooperation, Palazzo Coppini welcomed Kyoto’s new Mayor, Kōji Matsui, in June, following his election in 2024. The institutional visit marked an important moment in renewing the ties between Kyoto and Florence, strengthened for over thirty years through the commitment of the Fondazione Romualdo Del Bianco – Life Beyond Tourism.
Palazzo Coppini, at the Heart of Intercultural Dialogue
The choice of Palazzo Coppini as the venue for the meeting was no coincidence. With its history, central location in Florence, and architectural character, the Palazzo has long been a meeting place for cultural dialogue and for welcoming international guests.
Its prestigious Golden Venue provides an ideal setting for events promoting cultural diplomacy, sustainability, and social inclusion, further enriched by the permanent collections of the Museum of the Sacredness of Expressions of Gratitude.
Housed in seven historic rooms of Palazzo Coppini, the collection includes more than 2,000 objects and 8,000 books from 83 countries around the world, including traditional costumes, Japanese Noh theatre masks, works of craftsmanship, and valuable publications written in more than ten alphabets. Together, they form a living testimony to gratitude, exchange, and shared memory.
Kyoto Mayor Kōji Matsui Visits Florence
During the official visit, the Japanese delegation led by the Mayor of Kyoto had the opportunity to learn more about the work of the Romualdo Del Bianco Foundation – Life Beyond Tourism®, which has long been committed to promoting intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace.
The meeting represented both a symbolic and concrete step in maintaining and strengthening the longstanding relationship between Kyoto and Florence.
Hoshino Tsuji: Craft Tradition and a Cultural Mission
Among the prominent figures attending the event, Hoshino Tsuji played a key role. An Ambassador of the Romualdo Del Bianco Foundation – Life Beyond Tourism® in Japan and Director of KYOKANE Co. Ltd., Hoshino represents a living bridge between culture, business, and tradition.
Kyokane, a historic Kyoto-based kimono house with more than 100 years of history, preserves the authentic traditions of Japanese craftsmanship. With dedication, it passes on the culture of the kimono, safeguarding rituals and knowledge that connect past and future.
Several beautiful examples of Japanese uchikake created by her family have been exhibited at Palazzo Coppini, expressing the connection between art, cultural identity, and family heritage.
The Vision of the Romualdo Del Bianco Foundation – Life Beyond Tourism®
In the video dedicated to the visit, President Emeritus Paolo Del Bianco explains the significance of the cultural ties between Florence and Kyoto and highlights the importance of the “Discovering Kyoto” exhibition as a bridge between cultures.
The initiative celebrates craftsmanship as an authentic form of dialogue between cultures and as intangible cultural heritage to be preserved.
Watch the official video of the visit by the Japanese delegation and Hoshino Tsuji, the Foundation’s Ambassador in Japan:
