Public Diplomacy

On January 27, Local Partnership Cooperation Forum was held online under the themes of “Overseas Promotion Strategy after COVID-19” and “Promotion for SDGs in Japanese local area” for the purpose of supporting international activities of local governments. Experts in related fields gave lectures and exchanged opinions with participants.

Naruto City and Narayanganj City have been steadily building relations toward the establishment of the Friendship City relationship. With the aim of continuing this bond, Mr. IWAMA, the Ambassador of Japan in Bangladesh visited Naruto City in December 2022 and exchanged opinions with relevant officials on the theme of future exchanges between these two cities in various fields. The Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh intends to actively support the strengthening of regional cooperation between Japan and Bangladesh including the relationship of the two cities.

On November 30, 2022, Matsudo City concluded a Partnership Agreement with Constanza City, Dominican Republic. The Signing Ceremony was held online. This is the first occasion to establish the agreement between cities of the two countries. The two cities are expected to build a strong cooperation in five areas: agriculture, sports, education, culture, and environment. Matsudo City intends to ensure that each exchange between the two countries will develop steadily and their cooperation will expand more in the future.

Saga Prefecture's relationship with Finland has developed significantly as a result of its hosting of the pre-Olympic training camp. It seems that Saga Prefecture's efforts to “develop exchanges into partnership”, as well as their common affinity for the beautiful and rich natural environment are important elements for this development. Saga Prefecture's various activities to gain inspiration from Finland's ideas and policies will be introduced.

Saitama City in Saitama Prefecture held “Saitama Sustainable Cities Summit ～E-KIZUNA Global Summit～” in the city on November 22 to 24 last year, with the aim of contributing to the realization of a decarbonized society through mutual cooperation with cities in and outside Japan. The summit was attended by over 300 people from 15 cities(Pittsburgh, Nurnberg, Melbourne, etc.)in nine foreign countries, as well as 22 cities in Japan and 50 companies and organizations. The city hopes that this summit will serve as an opportunity to expand the circle of initiatives toward the realization of sustainable cities in the future.