Public Diplomacy
Monthly Glocal News
February 2026
- Oita Prefecture's Visit to the San Francisco Bay Area: Promoting Oita's Appeal through "Experience Oita"
- Training Program at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Japan, for Officials from the Japanese Local Governments
- Exchanges between Kanra Town, Gunma Prefecture, and Nicaragua Gain Momentum Ahead of Centennial of Diplomatic Relations
- Promoting Japan's “Small Cities” in Republic of Korea! Joint Promotion by the National Governors' Association
- Diplomats’ Study Tour in Nara Prefecture
Oita Prefecture's Visit to the San Francisco Bay Area: Promoting Oita's Appeal through "Experience Oita"
Last November, Governor Sato of Oita Prefecture visited the San Francisco Bay Area to promote global human resource development, attract tourism, and expand sales channels for Oita products. During the visit, the Governor met with the Mayor of San Francisco to strengthen future collaboration and promoted Oita’s local food, sake, tourism, and other local products at the "Experience Oita" reception. This significantly contributed to deepening ties between Oita and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Meeting between Oita Governor Sato and San Francisco Mayor Lurie
Participants enjoying dishes prepared with ingredients from Oita Prefecture
Oita Sake Booth and Product/Tourism Booths
Training Program at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Japan, for Officials from the Japanese Local Governments
On December 2, local government officials working at MOFA visited the Embassy of the Netherlands in Japan. They learned about the Netherlands and its 425-year history of exchange with Japan, gaining valuable insights for their future work.
Lecture
Group photo
Exchanges between Kanra Town, Gunma Prefecture, and Nicaragua Gain Momentum Ahead of Centennial of Diplomatic Relations
Kanra Town in Gunma Prefecture and Nicaragua have fostered a relationship centered on sports and people-to-people exchanges, sparked by Kanra Town’s registration as a host town for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The exchange between Kanra Town and Nicaragua, has now expanded into diverse fields and is gaining further momentum, as Japan and Nicaragua approach the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. This grassroots international exchange is becoming a driving force supporting the future of relations between the two countries.
Shoe Donation Ceremony by the Residents of Kanra Town
Fire Engine Donated by Kanra Town
Opening Ceremony of the Japan Karate Cup
Promoting Japan's “Small Cities” in Republic of Korea! Joint Promotion by the National Governors' Association
In 2025, marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of the Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) relations, 12 prefectures in Japan jointly launched a promotional campaign themed “Small Cities of Japan.” This initiative aimed to promote Japanese local governments in ROK and encouraged tourism to regional areas.
Promoting the appeal of Japan’s “small cities” in an interview with Korean media
A reception attended by many guests
Commemorative photo with Ambassador Mizushima
Diplomats’ Study Tour in Nara Prefecture
On November 17 and 18, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan organized Diplomats' Study Tour in collaboration with Nara Prefecture with the participation of 19 ambassadors and spouses/partners from 14 countries. Participants visited facilities related to Nara Prefecture’s history, culture, and industry, and exchanged views with people concerned under the theme of “From the Origins of Japan to Now, and into the Future”.
Ambassadors together with the Mayor of Asuka Village
Ambassadors together with the Governor of Nara Prefecture and other distinguished guests
Warm Welcome from High School Students