Public Diplomacy

On November 29 and 30, 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Fukushima Prefecture conducted Diplomats’ Study Tour under the theme of "Revitalization". 15 participants including Ambassadors and other representatives from 10 countries visited various sites and facilities, such as Ukedo Elementary School in Namie Town, The Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum etc. It is expected that this tour has provided a good opportunity for the participants to deepen their understanding of Fukushima’s challenges and attractiveness further expand the exchanges between the participants’ countries and Fukushima.

Visiting the remains of the earthquake, “Ukedo Elementary School in Namie Town”

At The Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum

At the reception with Governor UCHIBORI

Nishiwaga Town in Iwate Prefecture is the Host Town of Cote d'Ivoire. Mr. IKKATAI, Japanese Ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire, visited Iwate Prefecture in October 2022 and met with Governor TASSO, Mayor NAIKI of Nishiwaga, Ambassador WEYA of Cote d'Ivoire to Japan, and other people involved. Ambassador IKKATAI told that one of the important roles for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic establishments abroad was to expand the bonds created on the occasion of the Tokyo 2020 Games in the future. The exchanges between 2 countries will further continue!

Visiting to Iwate Governor TASSO

Visiting Nishiwaga Town (with Mayor NAIKI and others in front of Fukazawa Masao Museum)

Japanese Ambassador's Cup “Judo” match in Cote d'Ivoire

Chiba City has had a Sister City relation with Asuncion, Republic of Paraguay since 1970, and on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the relationship in April 2019, Chiba City decided to start a youth exchange program through soccer in order to further develop exchange in sports and culture. The exchange between the youth of the two cities seems to have raised their awareness of multicultural society. Chiba City is going to continue the exchange program with Asuncion City in the future.

Visiting Chiba City Folk Museum (Chiba Castle)

Experience of calligraphy at the School in Chiba

Teaching soccer to Youth Soccer Teams in Chiba by the workshop Instructors

"Thank you from Fukushima" reception was held by the Embassy of Japan in the U.K. with Fukushima Prefecture and Motomiya City on September 7, 2022, and over 200 people attended. This reception, together with the 10th Anniversary ceremony of the opening of the Fukushima Garden in London, provided a special opportunity to promote the revitalization of Fukushima from the Great East Japan Earthquake and its charms such as local food and sake. The Embassy will continue to cooperate with local governments, including Fukushima Prefecture, to further promote the attractiveness of Japan.

During the reception

Visiting the Metropolitan Borough of Kensington

Donation of a garden bench at the ceremony at the Fukushima Garden

In 2021, Mr. Shelby Brown from Arkansas, the United States, moved to Nagai City, a town famous for Kendama (a traditional Japanese toy) in Yamagata Prefecture, because he was fascinated by Kendama, which he saw by chance in Japan. As the manager of "Kendama Hiroba SPIKe," a Kendama experience facility in Nagai City, he has involved in the revitalization of the city through various initiatives, such as holding Kendama classes and promoting the attractiveness of Kendama. He hopes to continue his activities and make Nagai City lively by introducing the attractive information to the public including foreign tourist.

Playing with a Kendama

Kendama Class in Nagai City

At "Kendama Hiroba SPIKe"