Public Diplomacy

On March 18, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Governor of Nagano Prefecture co-hosted a reception “Set among beautiful mountains and clear waters ~The Mountain Highland Resort NAGANO~” at the Iikura Guest House, attended by approximately 210 people, including diplomatic corps to Japan. The reception featured booths introducing tourism, food, traditional crafts, and initiatives for promoting long and healthy lives of Nagano Prefecture, as well as demonstrations of Togakushi buckwheat noodles making and Togakure-ryu Ninja show on stage to promote diverse charms of Nagano Prefecture.

Kawamata Town in Fukushima Prefecture and Cosquin City in Argentina became sister cities in 2024. What brought these two municipalities, which at first glance seem very far apart, together was the history of emigration and “folklore music”. Japanese musicians took part in the leading music festival in Latin America, and there was even a scene where all the audience members bowed and said “arigato”. This article introduces the deepening friendship and cultural exchange that is being built up in the lead-up to the 140th anniversary of Japanese emigration in 2026.

The exchange between Mishima Village, Kagoshima Prefecture, and Guinea began with a call from Mr Mamady Keita, a world-renowned djembe (drum) player. Mr. Kato, Ambassador of Japan to Guinea, who made a visit to Mishima Village this February, introduces the history of exchanges including djembe and others between both sides over the past 30 years, and the movement toward the next generation’s exchange.

Aomori Prefecture co-hosted "Aomori Food and Tourism Reception" on December 11 with the Embassy of Japan in Singapore. The event aimed to boost exports of Aomori's agricultural, forestry, and fishery products to the Southeast Asian market. In addition to agricultural, forestry, and fishery products such as apples, rice, and tuna, Aomori's food and tourism attractions were introduced, including the Nebuta Festival in summer and Hakkoda in winter.

Ms. Yuika Oku, Chairperson of Teto Company NPO in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, participated in the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) in Malaysia as a member of a support team for children and people with disabilities. After returning to Japan, she opened a multi-generational exchange center “Minna no Ie Colorful” in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture. Aiming to create a society where no one is left alone, the center operates a medical care and daycare service business, as well as events where university students and local children can play together. Ms. Oku spoke about her experiences as a “JOCV” and a “Local Vitalization Cooperator,” her current work at an NPO in Oita Prefecture, and her future activities with an eye toward regional development regional revitalization in Japan.