Public Diplomacy

On August 2 and 3, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan conducted Diplomat’s Study Tour together with Fukushima Prefecture. 15 participants including Ambassadors and other representatives from 12 countries visited various sites and facilities. Regional attractions such as industry, tourism, local food, as well as the current situation of the revitalization from the Great East Japan Earthquake, were fully promoted to the diplomats.

The Society for Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy (SPJD) is involved in overseas aid projects, donating used fire engines and ambulances offered by Japanese local governments to developing countries through the scheme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' ODA " the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects " . This article provides information on exchanges between Japanese local governments and those of overseas through the above cooperation.

In July of this year, Governor Rodríguez of the State of Guanajuato, Mexico, visited Hiroshima Prefecture and met with Governor Yuzaki of Hiroshima Prefecture and representatives of local companies, etc. This article provides anoverviewof Governor Rodríguez's visit to Hiroshima prefecture.

In July of this year, Ambassador Mizushima visited the regions of Japan related to Mr. Sugihara Chiune, who had issued "visas for life" to many Jewish refugees during World War II. This article provides information on connections between Fukui, Aichi, Gifu Prefectures and Israel.

Mr. Tuitou Ludovic (commonly known as Ludo-san), who is currently working as a community development cooperative in the Tourism and Sports Promotion Division of the City Office in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture, contributed to this report, telling us why he moved to the city, what he is doing, and what charms the city can offer from a foreigner's perspective.