The Year of Japan in Germany
Aims
To coincide with the transfer of Germany's federal government and federal parliament from Bonn to Berlin in 1999, "The Year of Japan in Germany"-a series of cultural and academic events based primarily in Berlin but also featuring events at venues throughout Germany-is being held with the aim of introducing the many facets of Japan to the German people. Under the theme "New Encounters Between Japan and Germany in the Twenty-first Century," the 21-month-long program of activities will particularly target the younger generations whose actions will determine the future of the two countries. It will introduce both traditional and modern Japanese culture, academia, and many other aspects of Japan. The ultimate goal is to further strengthen the friendly relations that exist between the two nations by deepening mutual understanding and promoting bilateral exchange. The organizers intend to take full advantage of local-government-level ties that have been nurtured over time and the activities of the many German-Japanese Associations around Germany to propel exchange between our two nations to new heights.
The period between January and August 1999 was a prelude to the wide variety of events of "The Year of Japan in Germany", which began in September 1999 and runs through September 2000. We are supporting and cooperating with events planned during this entire 21-month period that conform to the aims set out above, recognizing them as official Japan Year events.
H.I.H. Crown Prince Naruhito and H.E. President Johannes Rau Appointed Honorary Patrons
"The Year of Japan in Germany" offers a platform on which to promote mutual understanding which will serve as the foundation for a new partnership in the twenty-first century. The heads of governments of the two countries have agreed that their governments should cooperate fully to make this festival a success, and H.I.H. Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan and H.E. President Johannes Rau of the Federal Republic of Germany have agreed to serve as honorary patrons for the event.
The Japanese Organizing Committee and the German Honorary Committee
Overall coordination of "The Year of Japan in Germany" is being undertaken by the organizing committee chaired by Honorary President Hirotaro Higuchi of by Asahi Beer Inc. (president of the Japan-Germany Association). The committee is composed of representatives from all walks of Japanese life. To support the work of the organizing committee, a secretariat has been established in Tokyo, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy and Consulates General of Japan in Germany are providing support.
In Germany the honorary committee has been established as a counterpart to the Japanese organizing committee. It is chaired by Siemens AG President Heinrich von Pierer (chairman of the Asia-Pacific Committee of the BDI, the Federal Union of German Industry) and symbolizes the mutual cooperation that has made "The Year of Japan in Germany" possible. The honorary committee was formed to contribute both to the overall planning of "The Year of Japan in Germany" and to individual items on the program, including by advising the Japanese organizing committee on a number of issues and helping to advertise the event in Germany.
Honorary Patrons: H.I.H. The Crown Prince of Japan, H.E. President of the Federal Republic of Germany
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan
Organizing Committee (Chairman: Hirotaro Higuchi), Secretariat
Honorary Committee (Chairman: Heinrich von Pierer)
Japan Foundation
Japanese Culture Institute (Cologne)
Embassy of Japan, General Consulates of Japan (Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich), Honorary Consulate of Japan (Stuttgart)
German-Japanese Association Berlin, Japanese-German Center, Sister-cities exchange associations, EU-Japan Festival, Frankfurt Japanese Club, Hamburg Japanese Club, Japan Week in Dusseldorf Organizing Committee
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