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The link between Japan and the castle of Roche Goyon, castle La Latte.

Exploration of the Cultural Link between the Château de la Roche Goyon, Fort La Latte, and Japan through Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais


The world is woven with unexpected cultural links, transcending geographical and temporal borders. One of these intriguing connections exists between the Castle of the Roche Goyon, castle La Latte in Brittany, and Japan, thanks to their link with Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais. This emblematic figure played a crucial role in preserving and promoting historical and cultural heritage, thereby connecting these different sites through an invisible thread of history and passion.


Collection privée de 1940 ©château de la Roche Goyon


The Château de la Roche Goyon, Fort La Latte: A Glorious Past


The castle of the Roche Goyon, castle La Latte, located on the north coast of Brittany, bears witness to a tumultuous medieval era. Dating back to the 14th century, the Castle of the Roche Goyon is a magnificent example of a fortified castle overlooking the sea with medieval architecture and has endured through the ages with its imposing presence and breathtaking panorama offering a spectacular view of the ocean.


Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais: A Man of Passion and Heritage


Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais, a man of Breton origin, is the person who has recently captured attention in connection with these historical sites. He inherited a passion for history and heritage. It was he who, from the 1930s, undertook ambitious restoration works to preserve the Castle of the Roche Goyon, threatened by time and the elements.


Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais - Collection privée de 1940 ©château de la Roche Goyon

The Surprising Link with Japan


However, what makes the story even more fascinating is the connection with Japan. Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais was also involved in promoting Japanese culture in France. His fascination with Japan led him to become the director of the Franco-Japanese house in Tokyo in 1939, where he stayed for 7 years in the Land of the Rising Sun. His fascination for Japan led him to become an informal cultural ambassador, organizing exhibitions (Franco-Japanese medical exhibition), events, and artistic exchanges between France and Japan. In April 1945, he was forced to move to the mountainous region north of the capital, where many foreigners were grouped. This passion bridged European and Asian heritage, linking the Breton castle to Japanese arts and traditions.

Collection privée ©château de la Roche Goyon

Collection privée "exposition médicale" ©château de la Roche Goyon

An Invisible Thread of History and Passion


The connection between the Castle of the Roche Goyon, castle La Latte, and Japan through Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais demonstrates how individuals can transcend physical and cultural boundaries. His commitment to heritage preservation has kept these medieval structures alive, while fostering intercultural dialogue between France and Japan.

Ultimately, this story reminds us that heritage and passion are unifying forces, capable of connecting seemingly disparate worlds. The Castle of the Roche Goyon, and Japan remain linked by this invisible thread of history and passion, woven by a man whose cultural legacy continues today. To honor this link between Japan and the fortress, the castle's logo incorporates the famous Great Wave off Kanagawa by artist Hokusai.

Logo "la vague du château de la Roche Goyon" ©château de la Roche Goyon



2024 will mark the centenary of the Franco-Japanese House in Tokyo.



Centenary of the Franco-Japanese House in Tokyo: Celebrating a Cultural Heritage


The year 2024 holds special significance for lovers of culture and history, as it marks the centenary of the Franco-Japanese House in Tokyo, an emblematic institution that has played a crucial role in bringing French and Japanese cultures closer together. At the heart of this celebration is a visionary man, Frédéric Joüon des Longrais, who led the House from 1939 to 1946, leaving behind a lasting cultural legacy.

Collection privée "La maison Franco-Japonaise" du 4 Juin 1941 ©château de la Roche Goyon

The Franco-Japanese House: A Bridge between Two Worlds



The Franco-Japanese House, founded in 1924, was established with the purpose of facilitating cultural and intellectual exchanges between France and Japan. This unique institution served as a meeting place for creative minds, researchers, artists, and intellectuals from both countries. It played a significant role in the dissemination of knowledge, art, and culture between the East and the West, thus contributing to strengthening the ties between the two nations.


Frédéric Joüon des Longrais: A Visionary Director


Among the personalities who have left their mark on the history of the Franco-Japanese House, Frédéric Joüon des Longrais stands out for his exceptional leadership during a critical period. From 1939 to 1946, he guided the institution with vision and determination, despite the challenges posed by World War II. His commitment to promoting intercultural dialogue and his dedication to education have left an indelible mark on the House.

Collection privée Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais & Yolande Joüon Des Longrais ©château de la Roche Goyon


A Lasting Cultural Legacy


The centenary of the Franco-Japanese House in 2024 provides an opportunity to reflect on its impact and legacy. The intellectual and artistic exchanges that have taken place there have contributed to expanding the horizons of individuals from both cultures. From lectures and debates to art exhibitions and musical performances, the House has been a catalyst for meetings that transcended linguistic and cultural barriers.


Collection privée ©château de la Roche Goyon

Celebrating the Future


As we celebrate the centenary of the Franco-Japanese House in Tokyo, it is important to look to the future. The values of open-mindedness, collaboration, and mutual understanding embodied by this institution continue to be relevant in an increasingly interconnected world. Cultural and academic exchanges remain powerful means of overcoming prejudices and building lasting bridges between societies.


In 2024, as we mark the 100 years of the Franco-Japanese House in Tokyo, let us pay tribute to those who have shaped this exceptional institution and continue to nurture Franco-Japanese cultural relations for generations to come. Frédéric Joüon des Longrais, as a visionary director, embodies this ongoing quest for understanding and friendship between two cultures that continue to enrich each other.

Collection privée ©château de la Roche Goyon




Personalities


1. Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais : Restorer of the Castle of the Roche Goyon, and director of the Franco-Japanese House in Tokyo.

2. Yolande Joüon Des Longrais : Wife of Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais, born de la Taille Trétinville.

Locations and Cultural Entities

1. Castle of the Roche Goyon : Medieval castle in Brittany.

2. Japan : Country with which Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais established cultural ties.

3. Franco-Japanese House in Tokyo : Cultural institution founded in 1924 for Franco-Japanese exchanges.

4. Brittany : Region of France where the castle of the Roche Goyon is located.

Events and Concepts

1. Restoration of the Château de la Roche Goyon : Initiated by Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais in the 1930s.

2. Promotion of Japanese culture in France : Efforts by Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais to strengthen cultural ties between France and Japan.

3. Franco-Japanese cultural exhibitions and events : Organized by Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais.

4. Centenary of the Franco-Japanese House in Tokyo in 2024 : Celebration of the history and legacy of the institution.

Objects and Artworks

1. Private collections : Photos and objects related to Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais and the castle of Roche Goyon.

2. "La vague du château de la Roche Goyon" logo : Representation of Hokusai's Kanagawa wave associated with the castle, created by the artist Andrews Jack Masbath.

Themes

1. Cultural link between Brittany and Japan : Embodied by Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais.

2. Historical and cultural heritage : Preservation of the Castle of the Roche Goyon and promotion of Franco-Japanese cultural exchanges.

3. Legacy and influence of Frédéric Joüon Des Longrais : Impact on cultural heritage and Franco-Japanese relations.

4. Franco-Japanese cultural relations : Exchanges and collaborations between the two countries.

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