Public Diplomacy

From July 2023 to March 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Japan in China and the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong held the “Local Promotion Project Abroad” in close collaboration with Japanese local governments, organizations and private companies. The aim of this project was to spread information on tourism, local culture and food in various parts of Japan. Promotion videos were posted featuring culture and food from local areas of Japan. In addition, events were held to spread the charm of Japan's local areas in China and Hong Kong.

Malaysia continues to develop as a "global growth center" and boasts one of the highest growth rates among ASEAN countries. Iwate Prefecture has been engaged in economic exchange with Malaysia, holding product exhibitions from 2007 to 2016.
On December 21, 2023, Iwate Prefecture held a reception to promote its products and tourism at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia in order to strengthen exports of Iwate Prefecture's products to Malaysia and to attract more visitors to the prefecture.

Kochi Prefecture and Kochi City have continued exchanges in various areas with Tonga including host town exchange, since 2014 when these local governments had decided to hold pre-games training camp for the Rugby World Cup 2019. Ambassador Inagaki of Japan to Tonga visited Kochi Prefectural government and Kuroshio Town and exchanged views on disaster management including tsunami, in addition to exchanges through rugby.

In January 2024, Consul General Kitagawa of Japan in Marseille visited Kumamoto City and exchange views with Deputy Mayor Takahisa Nakagaito and Mr. Ryoichi Kano, Noh performer. Cooperation between Kumamoto City and Aix-en-Provence in southern France has developed since 1992 when the late Mr. Tanshu Kano, a Noh performer of Kita school who had lived in Kumamoto City, donated a Noh stage from Japan to Aix-en-Provence. The Noh stage, which is a valuable cultural asset, serves as a bridge of exchanges between Japan and France.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan's ODA website features interviews with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are using ODA to expand their business overseas. So far, 26 companies have been interviewed. The excellent products and technologies of Japanese companies have the potential to contribute to solving problems in developing countries. Through collaboration with the private sector, various support programs are provided for efficient and effective development.