Opening Ceremony 10th Anniversary of BONJOUR FRANCE 2025 at the French Ambassador's Residence in Japan

Christel TAKIGAWA

Born in Paris in 1977, and graduated in French literature from Aoyama University, Christel TAKIGAWA is a well-known figure in Japan, particularly for her regular appearances as a presenter on the FujiTV channel. A Japanese-French woman, she played an important role in Tokyo's application to host the 2020 Olympic Games, notably by delivering a speech in French in Buenos Aires in 2013 to the Olympic Committee, where she put forward the notion of Omotenashi. She has also served as an advisor to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Committee.

Recognized for her role in strengthening relations between France and Japan, Christel TAKIGAWA has been decorated on several occasions, earning the title of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2013 and Chevalier de l'Ordre national du Mérite in 2018. Her commitment does not stop there: she is also a strong defender of the animal cause, through her foundation Christel Vie Ensemble, and is actively involved in environmental protection.

Saila KUNIKIDA

Saila KUNIKIDA is a Japanese-Italian creative director, model, and executive producer with a multicultural background spanning Paris, Tokyo, and Berlin. Born in London and raised in Paris, she brings a global perspective to her work in fashion, film, and advertising. As the great-great-granddaughter of KUNIKIDA Doppo, a literary pioneer who helped shape modern Japanese literature, Saila comes from a lineage that has influenced cultural movements. Her family’s legacy of storytelling and artistic innovation continues through her work in fashion, media, and creative direction.

She has collaborated with Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Isetan Mitsukoshi, and UNIQLO, while also being featured in top fashion publications like Fujingaho and 25ans. In 2021, she founded Nami Creatives, a boutique agency specializing in cross-cultural storytelling and branding. Beyond fashion, Saila has established herself as a speaker and media personality, appearing on talk shows, industry panels, and international conferences. She has delivered TEDx talks on identity, creativity, and the intersection of culture and innovation, reinforcing her role as a thought leader in the industry. Now an Executive Producer and Creative Director at AOI Pro., Saila continues to shape visual narratives that bridge cultures and challenge creative boundaries.

Bebechan

Bebechan is a French Niçois living in Japan. His YouTube channel “Bebechan - Français au Japon” has over 650,000 subscribers, and on social networks his total number of followers exceeds one million! He shares the charm of Japan and the wonders of Japanese culture from a French perspective. With the aim of bridging the gap between Japan and France, he is also developing activities centered on the charms of both countries: in 2023 he publishes his first book, “Les Français ne disent pas bonjour”, and in 2024 he opens a patisserie called “Charles-Henry” in Daikanyama, Tokyo. 

Florent DABADIE

Born in Paris in 1974, and graduate of Langues'O, he worked as an editorial assistant for the film magazine Première Japon between 1998 and 2003. At the same time, he interpreted for the French coach of the Japanese national soccer team until the 2002 World Cup. In 2004, he became sports news host for Fuji national television and the WOWOW channel. Later, in 2014, he set up his own production and consultancy company for sports and cultural events.

Philippe TROUSSIER

After a career as a professional soccer player, Philippe TROUSSIER began coaching in the late 1980s. His coaching career took a major shift when he became coach of several African national teams, including Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire. However, it was in Japan that he truly gained popularity. In 1998, he became the Japan's soccer national team coach. Under his tutelage, the Japanese reached the 2002 World Cup, a major achievement for the country. Philippe TROUSSIER put together a highly disciplined team, and as a result is highly respected in Japan for his role in the rise of Japanese soccer on the international stage. More recently, he has decided to move into the world of viticulture. He has even started producing his own wines in the south of France.