Public Diplomacy

On January 20, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the Regional Promotion Seminar FY 2024 jointly with the local governments of Sakai City (Osaka Prefecture), Okinawa Prefecture, Nikko City (Tochigi Prefecture) and Kamikatsu Town (Tokushima Prefecture) in Tokyo, and approx. 90 guests including members of the diplomatic corps in Japan attended. Each local government gave a presentation to the participants highlighting its unique features, such as regional industries, tourism, local products, and also showcased various regional attractions through booth displays and stage performances.

Kagoshima City and Perth, Western Australia, began their exchange due to their geographical locations approximately at 32 degrees latitude north and south, respectively. In 2024, they celebrated the 50th anniversary of their sister city relationship. This article introduces the Perth Japan Festival and the visits of both mayors to each other's cities.

Inawashiro Town, Fukushima Prefecture is the birthplace of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, who conducted yellow fever research in Ghana and passed away from the disease. The town has continued its exchange with Ghana, including hosting the Ghanaian delegation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and accepting agricultural interns from Ghana. In November 2024, Ambassador Yoshimoto of Japan to Ghana visited Inawashiro Town and held discussions with the mayor and other town officials on further developing the exchange between the two countries.

Mie Prefecture's Banko-yaki has long used Zimbabwean petalite as a raw material to increase its strength. However, after a petalite mining company was acquired by a Chinese company in 2022, exporting petalite to Japan became difficult. Ambassador Yamanaka to Zimbabwe implemented “earthenware pots diplomacy” by conveying the importance of earthenware pots to Zimbabwean officials, which led to the resumption of petalite supplies in April 2024. In December 2024, he exchanged views with the governor of Mie Prefecture and other officials and promised Embassy’s continued cooperation to ensure a stable supply.

On October 29, the Consulate General of Japan in New York co-hosted a reception with the Nagano Prefecture on the theme of “Fermentation and Longevity: The Food of Nagano”. The United States is the largest export destination for processed foods from Nagano Prefecture. The reception was attended by 81 guests, including local importers, retailers, restaurant owners and members of the media. From Nagano Prefecture, Governor Abe and 10 local food manufacturers visited New York to promote the prefecture's attractions. This article provides an overview of the event.