150th Anniversary of the US-Japan Relationship
150 Years of US-Japan Relations "Past, Present and Future"
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- Award Ceremony of the Foreign Minister's Certificate of Commendation in Commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Japan-US Relationship
- Commemorative Ceremony for the 150th Anniversary of the US-Japan Relationship (Yokohama, 3 April and Washington, 31 March)
1. 150th Anniversary of the US-Japan Relationship
The relationship between Japan and the United States of America properly began in 1853 with the arrival in Uraga of the black ships commanded by Commodore Matthew Perry, which was followed by the signing of the US-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity in 1854. Accordingly, the years 2003 and 2004 mark the 150th anniversary of these events.
Since those initial encounters to the present, overcoming various trials, Japan and the United States have deepened exchange in all kinds of fields, including politics, economics, and culture, and forged the excellent friendly and cooperative relations that exist today. On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of this relationship, an important milestone in history, it is hoped that the two countries will be able to further deepen mutual understanding and friendship between their peoples through the lively implementation of various exchange projects and build an even more fertile relationship for the future.
2. Commemorative Projects for the 150th Anniversary of the US-Japan Relationship
Exchange projects between Japan and the United States take place in various fields and at various levels on a daily basis. Of these projects, those that are implemented in the two countries during the landmark 150th anniversary of the US-Japan Relationship and are in line with the purpose of the 150th anniversary can be designated as commemorative projects.
Specifically, these commemorative projects refer to projects involving exchange between Japan and the United States carried out in all fields during the period from January 2003 until December 2004. Special emphasis is given to the fields of culture, science, education, sports, youth exchange, and local exchange.
3. Let Us Know About Your Projects
Applications for the registration of commemorative projects can be made on the special website of "the Commemorative Projects for the 150th Anniversary of the US-Japan Relationship". Projects that receive designation as commemorative projects are listed on the website's event calendar and are permitted to use the official logo mark.
4. Promotion Setup in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
A section in charge of "Commemorative Projects for the 150th Anniversary of the US-Japan Relationship" has been set up in the First North America Division of the North American Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the objective of promoting commemorative projects relating to the anniversary. This division is engaged in preparatory work in cooperation with "the US-Japan 150 Years Committee" and "the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS)". Coordination and information exchange are also taking place with related government offices and others (Cabinet Office; Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications; Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Agency for Cultural Affairs; Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; The Japan Foundation; Japan National Tourist Organization; etc.).
Regarding projects in the United States, preparations are being carried out centered on the National Association of Japan-America Societies, local Japan-America Societies, the Japanese Embassy, and consulates-general around the United States.
5. The US-Japan 150 Years Committee
In order to promote commemorative projects in Japan for the 150th Anniversary of the US-Japan Relationship, the US-Japan 150 Years Committee has been formed, comprising volunteers from the private sector and chaired by Yoshio Okawara, chairman of the Japan-America Society and former Japanese Ambassador to the United States. This committee undertakes preparations for commemorative projects and the registration of projects in Japan.
Contact to the committee's Secretariat is as follows:
Secretariat of the US-Japan 150 Years Committee
E-mail: info@usjapan150.org
Fax: 03-3588-6355
6. The National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS)
The NAJAS, which is the national federation of local Japan-America Societies around the United States that are the bases of bilateral private-sector exchange, undertakes the registration of commemorative projects in the United States for the 150th Anniversary of the US-Japan Relationship and also engages in preparations for projects.
Contact to the Secretariat is as follows:
"Japan-US 150 Secretariat"
National Association of Japan-America Societies
733 Fifteenth Street, N.W. Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: 1-202-783-4550
Fax: 1-202-783-4551
E-mail: NAJAS@US-JAPAN.ORG
Japan Video Topics (Japan-USA 150 Years)
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