Polish culture has a small but growing presence in Japan, including here at St. Mary’s School. Many people are surprised that Poland and Japan share similar values. As Joanna Baranowska said, Poles and Japanese may seem practical, but “we are huge romantics inside,” which helps people connect through art and culture.
Some misconceptions still exist. People think Poland is only cold and old-fashioned, or that there are almost no Polish people in Japan. In reality, Polish students and workers live in cities like Tokyo, and cultural events help people learn more. Ms. Baranowska also said some Polish art is “highly contextual,” so music like Frédéric Chopin helps explain the history behind it.
There are also many similarities. Both cultures value family traditions, respect, and holiday meals. Food is different, but both enjoy warm comfort dishes and seasonal ingredients. These shared ideas show how two far countries can connect. As Ms. Baranowska said, cultural exchange is about “building emotional bridges,” not just facts.
Recent data shows the Polish community is small but real. According to Wikipedia and other public sources, about 2,233 Polish citizens were registered as residents in Japan in late 2024–early 2025. The number was about 1,510 in 2023, so it has grown. Many live in the Kantō region, especially around Tokyo. Even though Japan had about 3.8 million foreign residents in 2024, the Polish group is still small—but stable. This shows that Polish culture in Japan may be quiet, but it is slowly growing and building new connections.
