Public Diplomacy

On May 23 and 24, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan co-hosted a Diplomats’ Study Tour with Yugawara Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, attended by 26 ambassadors and others from 19 countries and one international organization. Under the theme of “Yugawara: Hot Spring Culture and Japanese Hospitality Experience,” the program introduced the diverse attractions of Yugawara Town to the diplomatic corps, including its history and hot spring culture, through participation in its traditional “Yukake Matsuri".

In FY2025, Saga Prefecture utilized the Emperor’s Birthday reception events hosted by Japanese overseas diplomatic missions to promote its local products abroad. In the Netherlands, Saga Prefecture deepened cultural exchange through an exhibition of Arita ware and sake tasting events. In Hong Kong, Saga Beef and Saga sake were introduced and received high praise from attendees. This article highlights how directly showcasing the attractions of Saga to foreign dignitaries and stakeholders contributed to enhancing the recognition of Saga products, expanding exports, and fostering international exchange.

Portugal has a history of exchanges with Japan spanning nearly 500 years and has particularly deep ties with Nagasaki Prefecture. Nagasaki Prefecture and Portugal have sister-city relationships between Nagasaki City and Porto, and between Omura City and Sintra.
Ambassador Nakagawa of Japan to Portugal visited Nagasaki Prefecture to exchange views on promoting exchanges, including advancing the MOU between Nagasaki Prefecture and Portugal and strengthening cooperation in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Nagasaki City and Porto in 2028 and the 30th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Omura City and Sintra in 2027.

The sister city relationship between Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture and Crescent City/Del Norte County, California, was born from the story of a training boat named “Kamome” (Seagull), belonging to Iwate Prefectural Takata High School, which was set adrift by the Great East Japan Earthquake. This article looks back on the history of this exchange, introduces the Kamome Festival, an exchange event held this April, and explores the prospects for future collaboration.

Mie Prefecture and Palau have maintained close ties since July 1996, when they signed a friendship agreement during the visit of Palau’s first president, Kunio Nakamura. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the agreement, and to further strengthen the relationship, Mie Governor Katsuyuki Ichimi visited Palau for the first time since the agreement was signed.