Public Diplomacy

The "Japan's Most Beautiful Villages" Alliance was launched in October 2005 in Biei Town, Hokkaido, following the examples of similar overseas activities. The "World's Most Beautiful Villages Alliance" holds an annual general meeting on a rotating basis, and the second general meeting was held in Ine Town, Kyoto Prefecture from May 23 to 26, 2023.This report provides an overview of the meeting and its future prospects.

Washinomiya Area in Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture has attracted anime fans since the area appeared in an animation program “Lucky Star.” Local stores sell goods related to this animation and anime fans participate in related local festivals.

The Sister City relationship between Hyogo Prefecture and the State of Paraná, Brazil celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020. In April, 2022, Consul General Hamada of Japan in Curitiba visited Hyogo Prefecture, the Hyogo International Association, Kakogawa City and Himeji City, etc. to exchange views on the future of Sister City exchanges.

Osaka City has been promoting exchange and cooperation with Melbourne, which celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Sister City relationship in March 2018, and with Chicago, which celebrated the 45th anniversary of its Sister City relationship in June of the same year, by signing Sister Street agreements.

On the occasion of the visit of Governor Uchibori of Fukushima Prefecture to Germany, the Embassy of Japan in Germany co-hosted a Reception "Thank you from Fukushima Reception" with Fukushima Prefecture. The reception provided a presentation by Governor Uchibori, and local dishes as well as souvenirs from Fukushima Prefecture. It was a valuable opportunity to express gratitude from Fukushima for the solidarity and support extended by Germany in various ways in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, and to promote the current situation of reconstruction and the attractiveness of Fukushima Prefecture.