Panel Discussion: Talking about International Exchange with the Foreign Ministry

January 18, 2005

A panel discussion "Talking about International Exchange with the Foreign Ministry" will be held on January 20 (Thu) in Tokyo (Foreign Ministry).
For conducting effective public diplomacy, it is necessary for not only the central government but also such diverse actors as local governments, NGOs, media and academic organizations, which have emerged in the forefront of international exchange in the wake of globalization, to actively exchange views and work in concert. This is the first panel discussion to be held with a view to building a network for this purpose.
Five panelists, including Ms. Jeanie Fuji, proprietress of the Fujiya Inn at Ginzan Onsen (hot spring resort), Yamagata Prefecture, will discuss from various aspects how to introduce the charms of local Japanese culture to the world through international exchange under the theme "Getting across Japan's Attractions: Thinking about Local Soft Power."
Before the discussion, the FY2004 conference of the directors in charge of international exchange of each prefecture and major cities, which has been held since FY1990, will be held in the Foreign Ministry to promote local internationalization and to build up closer ties with the Foreign Ministry.

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