The exhibition marked the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the famous writer, journalist and world traveller Alma M. Karlin to Japan and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Slovenia and Japan.

In her opening address, Ambassador Dr Polak Petrič stressed the importance to present Alma M. Karlin as a cosmopolitan and a person who embodies the intertwining history of European nations - Slovenian, Austrian and German. This is an important message from Alma M. Karlin, especially now as the war is raging in Europe. Alma M. Karlin was also a remarkable woman who was ahead of her time. We also want to present her work in Japan through the lens of gender equality promotion.

The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Dr Elisabeth Bertagnoli, Austrian Ambassador to Japan, Aisawa Ichiro, Chairman of the Japan-Slovenia Parliamentarian Friendship League, Kenko Sone, Director General for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Stefan Speidel, Member of the Board of Directors of the OAG - The German East Asiatic Society. The speakers highlighted Alma M. Karlin as a citizen of the world, her thirst for knowledge, her courage and determination.

The author of the exhibition, Barbara Trnovec, highlighted the importance of Alma M. Karlin as a bearer of values and her wish to finally place Alma alongside the world's greatest travellers. She told the audience about her remarkable achievements - Karlin travelled the world like no one before her, and after her return from her travels, her travelogues achieved astonishing international success and recognition.
The opening of the exhibition was also attended by the Director of the Celje Regional Museum, Stane Rozman, who presented the second oldest Slovenian museum and its treasures. 

The event was attended by many representatives of the diplomatic community in Japan, representatives of cultural and educational institutions and Slovenians living in Japan.