MaGin Journal — Encounters

MaGin
& the Embassy

When a gin from Liège meets Japanese diplomacy

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Encounters · Diplomacy · Japanese culture

MaGin and the Embassy of Japan:
a bridge between Belgium and Japan

December 2024 – May 2025 · Brussels · 3 min read

A Belgian yuzu gin, born from a love of manga, welcomed by Japanese diplomacy: one of the most memorable chapters of the MaGin adventure. In a few months, the Team goes from a first meeting with the Embassy of Japan to the Japanese New Year celebrations.

The MaGin Team poses with a Japanese guest holding a MaGin cocktail and The Recipes booklet

A souvenir photo with the MaGin Team

December 2024 — The first meeting

On 1 December 2024, the MaGin Team meets a delegation of the Ambassador of Japan. A chance to present the whole project: the Belgian yuzu gin, the manga universe, the Japanese inspiration, and the vision carried by four friends from Liège since the very start of the adventure.

A symbolic and deeply human exchange, which confirms MaGin’s wish to build a bridge between Belgian craftsmanship, Japanese culture and taste.

January 2025 — The Japanese New Year ceremony

Less than two months later, MaGin is invited to the Japanese New Year ceremony held at the Ambassador’s residence. The Team joins the guests of honour and meets many figures committed to representing Japanese culture in Belgium.

February 2025 — The celebration evening

On 5 February 2025 comes a new invitation, to the Japanese New Year evening: a night of meetings and conversations during which the Team, in MaGin kimonos, introduces its gin and cocktails to many figures from the Belgian and Japanese cultural scenes.

May 2025 — Together at Spa-Francorchamps

The bond goes beyond the residence’s reception rooms. From 8 to 10 May 2025, for the World Endurance Championship, the MaGin Team sets up on the paddock mezzanines at Spa-Francorchamps, at the foot of the Raidillon, alongside a delegation of the Embassy of Japan. On the programme: signature cocktails, motorsport and a meeting with Toyota Gazoo Racing.

Arigatō!

Thank you to the Embassy of Japan for its trust. The rest of the bond between MaGin and Japan, from yuzu to Japan Day, is waiting in MaGin and Japan. And to taste this bridge between two cultures, MaGin Ki Yuzu is available in our online shop.

Embassy of Japan Japanese New Year Diplomacy Japanese culture Belgian gin