Cooperation with International Organizations (UNESCO,UNU)
Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ms. IKUINA’s visit to Sado City, Niigata Prefecture
November 25, 2024


From November 23 to 24, Ms. IKUINA Akiko, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited Sado City, Niigata Prefecture. The overview of the visit is as follows.
- Attendance at the “Sado Island Gold Mines” memorial ceremony
(1) On November 24, Parliamentary Vice-Minister IKUINA attended the “Sado Island Gold Mines” memorial ceremony held in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, hosted by the Ceremonial Executive Committee for “Sado Island Gold Mines”.
(2) Ms. IKUINA gave a speech, following an opening remark by Mr. NAKANO Ko, Chairman of the Executive Committee, speeches by Mr. WATANABE Ryugo, Mayor of Sado City, and Mr. HANAZUMI Hideyo, Governor of Niigata Prefecture. In her speech, Ms. IKUINA stated that “Sado Island Gold Mines” was recognized for its Outstanding Universal Value in gold production through unmechanized mining technology during the Edo Period, which led to the inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. She praised the “Sado Island Gold Mines” for their historical value of producing large and high quantities of gold by traditional unmechanized mining technology during the Edo Period, when Western mines had already been mechanized.
Ms. IKUINA also stated that we must acknowledge that the remarkable achievements of the “Sado Island Gold Mines” were the result of the dedication of those came before us, especially mine workers, and expressed her sincere respect for their efforts as well as her deep condolences for all those who have passed away.
(3) Ms. IKUINA, together with other attendees, laid flowers. - Visit to the facilities related to the “Sado Island Gold Mines”
(1) On November 24, Ms. IKUINA visited the facilities related to the “Sado Island Gold Mines”, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the World Heritage Committee held in July.
(2) At Aikawa History Museum, Ms. IKUINA received explanations about the history and technology of the modern Sado Gold and Silver mines. At Kirariumu Sado, the Guidance Facility, she observed the exhibition that introduces the charm of the Sado Gold and Silver mines using a variety of techniques, including visual materials.
(3) In addition, Ms. IKUINA visited Sado Gold Mine to see the exhibition that reproduced the remains of the tunnels in the early Edo Period.