Public Diplomacy

On November 10 and 11, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Shiga Prefecture organized a Diplomats’ Study Tour in Shiga Prefecture under the theme of "Revel in the beauty of Lake Biwa and travel across history, from the heights of Mount Hiei to the valleys of the pottery town of Shigaraki". 15 participants including Ambassadors and other representatives from 13 countries visited various sites and facilities, such as Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple and Shigaraki High School etc. It is expected that this tour will provide a good opportunity for the participants to deepen their understanding of Shiga’s attractiveness, and expand the exchanges between the participants’ countries and Shiga.

The reception hosted by Governor MIKAZUKI

Shigataki “tanuki” (raccoon)
pottery experience at the Shigaraki High School

Visiting the organic tea plantation farming at Katagikoukaen

Mr. Randy Channell Soei from Canada currently lives in Kyoto where he has been teaching traditional tea ceremony (Urasenke chado) for over 25 years. He has not only been hosting the tea ceremony, but also involved in a wide variety of activities, including writing books and organizing a café. Through his current activities, you can find his passion for Japanese culture “Chanoyu”, the reason why he started the tea ceremony, and his relationship with Kyoto!

Budo training

Tea Ceremony

Macha Tea he brewed

Okayama City and Plovdiv City have steadily continued their exchange, including the installation of a statue of “Momotaro”( famous character of Japanese fairy tale), the symbol of Okayama, in a park in Plovdiv on the 20th anniversary of establishment of Sister City relationship. In addition, Okayama city became Host Town of Bulgaria for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This year, the two cities have celebrated the 50th anniversary of their sister city relationship, with various exchanges and events. Okayama City hopes to have further opportunities for face-to-face exchanges from next year.

Cultural Delegation of Okayama dispatched to “European Capital of Culture 2019”

“Yogurt seminar at the Plovdiv City Exchange Photo Exhibition” at Okayama City Hall

Unveiling ceremony of the statue of Hristo Botev

Nara City and Samarkand city, Uzbekistan have inherited deep and long historical ties connected by the Silk Road to these day. They have been continuing various interregional exchanges, and the recent invitation to a local event by Samarkand city has finally led to the establishment of the Sister City Relationship on October 18. Now, two cities shake hands for expanding their exchanges more. It is expected that both cities will make a new era of friendship for the future!

Sister City Establishment ceremony with Mayor UMAROV and Mayor NAKAGAWA

Welcome Dinner reception hosted by Samarkand city

Visiting the SILK ROAD International University of Tourism