Since 2005 was the EU-Japan Year of People-to-People Exchanges as well as the 50th anniversary of the entry into force of the Japan-Italy Cultural Agreement, many commemorative events were held in various parts of Italy.

The opening concert was a joint performance by the two countries’ leading young musicians, violinist Sayaka Shoji and pianist Giorgia Tomassi, which was conducted in February at the Quirinale Palace, the magnificent palace residence of the President of the Italian Republic. It was a superb concert, a befitting event to symbolize the exchanges between the people of Japan and Italy. President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and other Italian dignitaries attended the concert, symbolizing the high level of interest of the Italian people in the exchange year.

In May, a symposium entitled "Economy and Culture of Japan and Italy " was held in Rome and Milan. From Japan, the Chairman of Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) Hiroshi Okuda and other key figures from Japan’s business community were in attendance. Many participated from Italy as well, including the Undersecretary for Productive Activities, the Hon. Giuseppe Galati and other government officials, business leaders, and university-affiliated personnel. The symposium provided a good opportunity for Japan to renew the Italian people’s awareness of the current status of its recovering economy, as well as its advanced technical capabilities, with the company spirit and Japanese culture found as their backdrop. The symposium was well covered by the Italian newspapers and other media.

Many more types of events were held at the grassroots level in various parts of Italy, for example, in Turin, where the 2006 Olympic Winter Games took place. Events to introduce Japan’s culture were held in commemoration of its sister-city relationship with Nagoya which was established during the "Piemonte Week" at the 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan. Such events helped heighten the spirit of friendship between Japan and Italy toward the Olympic Games.

To strengthen further the already amicable relations between Japan and Italy, the revitalization of exchange is essential at the people’s as well as local level. Expanding the circle of such exchanges is precisely the purpose of the EU-Japan Year of People-to People Exchanges. We intend to continue to actively put forth efforts in the area of cultural and information activities in the future.