Public Diplomacy
“Local x Global –A Special Event for Future Interactions-“in fiscal year 2021(Result)
April 4, 2022
- On March 22, 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan hosted the "Local x Global –A Special Event for Future Interactions-" in fiscal year 2021 jointly with the City of Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture and Yamaguchi City in Yamaguchi Prefecture at Happo-en Tokyo. 65 people from diplomatic corps stationed in Tokyo, foreign chambers of commerce in Japan and the private companies participated in the event. At the beginning of the event, Mr. Ishikawa Hiroshi, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), delivered the opening remarks explaining that MOFA, in close collaboration and partnership with local governments and communities, has been actively supporting their efforts of international activities with an aim to promote “All-Japan” diplomacy. Expressing his pleasure to hold this event thanks to the cooperation of the City of Nagoya and Yamaguchi City, Mr. Ishikawa, in his remarks, encouraged the guests to visit both cities when the situation permitted and to enjoy their charms firsthand. Mr. Ishikawa concluded his remarks with expecting that the guests would widely share their view to their countries so that more people in the world could know them.
- In the first part of the event, representatives from the City of Nagoya and Yamaguchi City gave presentations to the guests on the various attractive features of each city, and in the second part of the event, exhibited PR booths introducing tourist information, local products, traditional crafts, and other aspects of each city. Foreign Minister Hayashi joined in the event and visited PR booths with the guests mainly from diplomatic corps.
- The first presentation was made by the City of Nagoya. Mr. Ito Tsuyoshi, Counselor of the City of Nagoya, took the stage to present the City's rich culture and history including Nagoya Castle and Samurai leaders, and charms of the City as one of the economic hubs that has developed through its thriving automobile-related industry. The distinctive food culture which is known as "Nagoya-meshi", including miso (soybean paste) cuisine, Uiro (steamed cake made of rice powder), herbal tea and that is also developed with the Samurai culture were introduced and attracted much attention from the guests. The presentation also introduced the vitality of the City in anticipation of the 20th Asian Games to be held in 2026 and the Superconducting Maglev (bullet train) to be operated later. In addition, the presentation also showed the City’s diverse attractions, such as its active sister and friendship city relationships with eight other cities around the world and its efforts for SDGs.
Mr. Ito Kazuki, Mayor of Yamaguchi City then took the stage to promote fascinating history, culture and people of Yamaguchi City, where diverse cultures gather and evolve. The City introduced traditional crafts that have developed through trade with foreign countries, such as Yamaguchi Hagi-ware and Ouchi lacquerware, and the people’s efforts to pass down these traditions to the next generation. On top of this, He introduced the longstanding relationship with Spain, which is associated with Francisco de Xavier who stayed in Yamaguchi in the 16th century as a Roman Catholic missionary, as well as the unique exchanges activities with Finland during Christmas season. The presentation also emphasized Host Town exchanges with Spain on the occasion of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, showing Yamaguchi City's continued development in connection with the world. Furthermore, the presentation introduced the City's sustainability initiatives rooted in the SDGs, such as the creation of bamboo bikes.
- In the latter part of the event, each city performed stage shows and prepared PR booths presenting local attractions. Although food and beverages were not served at the booths due to COVID-19 situation, we made efforts to allow the guests to enjoy the attractions of each city at home by providing some special gifts of local specialties including Sake, sweets and traditional craft goods.
The City of Nagoya presented the performance of "Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai," dressed in armor as warriors of 15th -16th centuries in Japan. The performance enlivened the atmosphere of the event with their powerful stand-up and dance performances using spears and swords. At the booths, the City of Nagoya introduced business information, Central Japan International Airport, and the 20th Asian Games in 2026. The City promoted the vitality and attractiveness of Nagoya to all the guests. The guests also enjoyed visiting the booth introducing Nagoya's history, food, and culture.
Those who received souvenirs mentioned in the first part of the presentation, such as Uiro, miso sauce which is essential for "Nagoya-meshi", Herbal tea, Japanese sweets, and Japanese sake, looked forward to tasting these charms at home.
Yamaguchi City presented an upcycled kimono fashion show, showcasing dresses and suits made from recycled and remade Kimono, a traditional Japanese costume, with inspiration and image of countries and regions around the world. Models in gorgeous outfits appeared on stage. Their sustainable efforts of reusing Kimono attracted the attention of many guests. In addition, booths were set up for the guests to try their hand at learning about bamboo bike and making handmade accessories from traditional Tokuchi washi paper to fully promote their SDGs-based initiatives. In addition, at the traditional craft booth, Yamaguchi City prepared Ouchi lacquerware chopsticks as souvenirs so that the guests can find and enjoy using the richness and delicacy of the "Ouchi Culture" introduced in the Mayor’s presentation in the first part. Moreover, many guests gathered at the booth introducing souvenirs such as Uiro (rice cake), Ouchi Ningyo Wasanbon sugar confectionary, Kawara-Soba (green tea soba noodle served on the sizzling hot kawara, a roof tile), and Japanese sake, fully promoting the food culture of Yamaguchi City, nurtured by its rich nature.
- MOFA hopes that this event could provide a good opportunity for the guests to gain better understanding of the attractions of the City of Nagoya and Yamaguchi City, and to build new networks between the two cities and diplomatic corps, foreign chambers of commerce in Japan and the private companies.