Section 5. Promotion of Mutual Understanding with Foreign Countries
The international community is becoming more and more interdependent with each passing year, and as an information-oriented society continues to evolve, the world is being more closely linked together by a highly organized communications network.
Particularly for Japan, whose international position has risen markedly in recent years, it is becoming very important not only to be fully aware of developments on the world scene, but also to see that other countries are accurately informed about Japan and its circumstances. Through overseas publicity activities, Japan is continuing its efforts to disseminate correct information abroad in order to deepen the knowledge and understanding of Japan among foreign peoples.
Furthermore, to put relations with foreign countries on a long-term and more stable basis, it is essential to deepen mutual understanding and friendship among the nations through the expansion of cultural exchanges.
In this respect, the Japanese government has concluded arrangements on cultural exchange with up to 28 countries, and during 1980 held consultations on cultural exchange with seven of those countries. In the course of the year, Japan has also carried out, mainly via the Japan Foundation (with a budget of \5.2 billion for fiscal 1980), various cultural exchange activities such as the Special Sports Exchange Program with the Middle East countries and the Special Japanese Language Promotion Program for China. At the same time, attaching importance to cooperation in the enrichment of culture and promotion of education in developing countries, Japan, endeavoring to strengthen activities in this field, has provided a total of 27 cultural cooperation grants to 24 countries, extended cooperation to the Scholarship for ASEAN Youth and contributed to the establishment of the Japan-Mexico Friendship Fund.
Japan has to conduct its diplomatic activities with the understanding and support of its people. Since Japan depends on the international environment for its existence and finds the basis of its development in maintaining friendly relations with foreign countries, it is necessary for this country to pay attention constantly to international developments and the situation of other countries. From such a standpoint, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducts domestic publicity activities and extends cooperation to the mass media with a view to helping the Japanese people have a deepened and accurate understanding of the international situation and Japan's diplomatic efforts, by providing them with accurate information on these matters.
To win wide support and understanding from the Japanese people and foreign countries with regard to Japan's foreign policy would involve developing the basis for Japan to further promote its diplomacy. As the international community places growing expectations on Japan, the world's interest in this country's future course will inevitably grow. In these circumstances, the role of publicity and cultural exchange activities has increased its importance as an essential part of Japan's diplomacy. Japan will continue to promote various projects in this field.