Public Diplomacy

It is glad to introduce some remarkable examples of Host Town exchanges with Ireland, of which the symbol color is well known as green:
At the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, athletes from all over the world brought tree seedlings to Japan. In Engaru Town, Hokkaido, more than 160 trees originated from Ireland have been carefully grown for over 50 years. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games more than a half century later, children in this town made original eco-friendly shopping bags for Irish athletes with drawings of local flowers, animals and national flags on them. Engaru Town has been developing international activities so that the next generation can understand the importance of "nature" and "international exchange". In Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, a unit composed of people with disabilities from both Ireland and Narita City participated in a music event where all the participants played beyond the difference between countries, ages and regardless of disabilities. Narita City has been implementing various exchanges to realize a harmonious and inclusive society and also to keep an everlasting relationship with Ireland even after the Tokyo 2020.

The Consulate General of Japan in Munich holds the reception celebrating the Emperor’s birthday every year, inviting around 600 government officials from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany and those who are committed to Japan-Germany relations. However, this year, due to the worsening situation of COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, the Consul General decided to take on a challenge of holding it in a new form, where, 25 local governments could participate in the reception to promote their charms directly from Japan over the screen!

Ho Chi Minh City has the largest population in Vietnam and is also one of the economic hub cities in the country. The Consulate-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City emphasizes the potentialities of Southern Vietnamese Regions from the economic perspective. The article describes the unique characteristics of Mekong Delta region where the agriculture and fisheries are flourishing and explains the advantages of business environment for Japanese companies.

Ms. Wiens and Mr. Li work at Fukushima prefectural government as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) so as to contribute to the promotion of international exchanges and mutual understanding by talking about their own countries (Canada and China) at local schools, for example. Currently, they are also engaging in a new project named “Fukushima Today” just started in 2020. Using SNS, they provide various information not only on the tourism but also on what Fukushima is now and how it is recovering from the Great East Earthquake in 2011. To see their heartfelt articles, check out the link below:
“Fukushima Today” Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Kiso lacquerware, Nagiso woodturning products (Nagiso Rokuro Zaiku) and Shinshu Tsumugi silk fabric crossed the sea and were introduced in the promoting event held in Chongqing, China, with the concept "Feel Nagano Prefecture in your hand". The organizers of the event thought out unique ways to convey the craftsmanship to the local customers by presenting collaboration of Kiso lacquerware glass (urushi-glass) with Japanese whiskey. It is hoped that these efforts would lead to an increase of visitors to Nagano in the future.

Bright red gifts from a sister city in Germany!
The tweet showing the beautiful roses in full bloom at Taketa City Hall, Oita Prefecture, gained the most attention this month.
In 2014, these roses were sent from Bad Krozingen, Germany to the sister city, Taketa, as a memorial symbol of the 25th anniversary of their relationship. They have soda springs as tourism resources in common. And so far, they have deepened their friendship by exchanging their hot spring culture.
The symbolic roses have played an important role in growing their eternal friendship by reminding people of Taketa City of their friends in Germany in every blossom season.