Public Diplomacy

On June 6 and 7, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan conducted Diplomats’ Study Tour together with Yame City in Fukuoka Prefecture with the participation of 15 ambassadors and others from 11 countries. Under the theme of “Tour Exploring the Tradition of Yame, Land of Tea”, the diverse attractions of Yame City, including history, culture, food, industry, tourism, and local products were promoted to the diplomats.

Urahoro Town in Hokkaido and the Republic of Mali have a surprising commonality in food culture and major industries. At the "Mali Fair in Urahoro" held in Urahoro Town in February 2024, cultural and sports exchanges, including an introduction of Malian music and food, and a Japan-Mali football tournament, were held. This article presents its contents.

Seto City in Aichi Prefecture and Nabeul City in Tunisia have a thriving pottery industry in common, which had led to the establishment of a sister city relationship in 2004 and these ties continue to this day. In April of this year, the 20th anniversary of the sister city relationship was celebrated in Nabeul, and a groundbreaking ceremony for the “Jardin de Seto（Seto Park）” was held in the city.

Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture and the Republic of Djibouti have continued exchanges since the support was provided by Djibouti following the Great East Japan Earthquake. Ambassador Hara to Djibouti visited Minamisoma City in June 2024 and exchanged views with the Mayor of Minamisoma City and visited NIKO Park, part of whose construction costs were covered by donations from Djibouti.