G20 Summit 2019 Demonsrating Leadership to Foser Global Growth

Home , Hirofumi Yoshimura, Matsuyama, Tokihiro Nakamura

8 | The Japan Times | Friday, April 20, 2018 (Sponsored content) G20 Summit 2019 Demonsrating leadership to foser global growth

apan is preparing to welcome guests with omotenashi — quintessentially Japanese hospitality — as it redoubles J its determination to take a strong leadership role to achieve dynamic world economic growth and increased prosperity Kutchan, Hokkaido Pref.: Tourism Ministers’ Meeting when it hosts in 2019 the Group of 20 (G20) Summit Meeting in Osaka and its related ministerial meetings around Japan.

First G20 Summit in Japan While Japan has successfully hosted the G7 Niigata, Niigata Pref.: Summit, U.N. conferences, Asia-Pacifc Eco- World leaders pose at the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, in 2017. Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting nomic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meet- CABINET PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE ings, and many other major international meetings over the past 40 years, this will be mit is expected to have a signifcant impact counterterrorism, as well as immigration the frst time the country hosts the annual on world economic growth and prosperity,” and refugee issues. Karuizawa, Nagano Pref.: gathering of G20 leaders. the foreign minister said. “Japan is determined Ministerial Meeting on Energy Transitions and The meeting will bring together the to exercise strong leadership during its presi- Osaka and eight municipalities Global Environment for Sustainable Growth members of the G7 (France, the United dency and host the Summit successfully.” The G20 Summit will take place from June States, the United Kingdom, Germany, 28 to 29 in Osaka. There are eight other Japan, Italy, Canada and the European Premier economic forum ministerial meetings planned across Japan. Okayama, Okayama Pref.: Tsukuba, Ibaraki Pref.: Union), as well as Argentina, Australia, G20 meetings began in 1999 when G7 Fukuoka will host one for fnance ministers Health Ministers’ Meeting Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, the fnancial ministers and central bank gover- and central bankers, while a foreign minis- Ministerial Meeting on Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, nors sought to meet with a broader group ters’ meeting is scheduled to take place in Trade and Digital Economy South Africa and Turkey. Heads of guest of their counterparts to better address Aichi Prefecture. countries and international organizations international issues. The frst G20 meeting A gathering of tourism ministers is slated for will also attend. at the summit level was held in Washing- Kutchan, Hokkaido Prefecture, and an agricul- In the run-up to the Summit, ministerial ton, D.C., in November 2008 to address the tural ministers’ meeting will be held in Niigata. meetings will be held in various locations economic and fnancial crisis triggered by Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, will have a Matsuyama, Ehime Pref.: around the country. the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers. ministerial meeting on energy transitions and Labour and Employment Aichi Pref.: “Making the most of this opportunity These summits were conducted twice global environment for sustainable growth. Ministers’ Meeting Foreign Ministers’ Meeting that would see a host of delegates and jour- a year until 2010 and then annually, begin- Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, will host a nalists visit Japan, we’d like to show the ning with the 2011 gathering in France. The conference on trade and the digital econ- world our omotenashi spirit and the wealth 2019 Summit will be the 14th. Argentina omy, and a health ministers’ meeting will of attractions Japan has to ofer, including will host the 2018 Summit from Nov. 30 to take place in Okayama, while Matsuyama, local cuisine and other points unique to Dec. 1, while Saudi Arabia will host the 2020 Ehime Prefecture, will see labor and each host municipality,” Prime Minister meeting. employment ministers gather. Shinzo Abe emphasized. Designated as the “premier forum for In this special, the leaders of host munici- international economic cooperation” at the palities talked about the unique attractions Osaka, Osaka Pref.: Contributing to prosperity Pittsburgh meeting in September 2009, the each place has to ofer and their expecta- Summit Meeting Noting that this will be the largest Summit G20 Summit has had a tremendous impact tions for the meetings. to ever convene in Japan, Foreign Minister on various felds, especially the world Taro Kono underscored the signifcance of economy. “G20 Summit 2019” pages are sponsored by Fukuoka, Fukuoka Pref.: the meeting and expressed the country’s At G20 summits, leaders discuss a wide the government of Japan. Finance Ministers and range of issues facing the global commu- determination to carry out strong leader- Central Bank Governors’ Meeting ship under its presidency. nity, including the world economy, trade “The G20 accounts for over 80 percent of and investment, development, climate and global gross domestic product, so the Sum- energy, employment, digital topics and

Osaka, Osaka Pref.: Summit Meeting Touting global goals, hos city welcomes summit guess

ICHIRO MATSUI/HIROFUMI YOSHIMURA rate advanced technologies as part of its that also enjoys convenient access to the GOVERNOR OF OSAKA/MAYOR OF OSAKA push to be a “Future Society for Our Lives.” city’s center. With three airports, including That is to say, it aspires to develop a sustain- Kansai International Airport with round- With a population of 8.83 million and a able society where all people — regardless the-clock arrivals and departures, serving gross domestic product of approximately of age and gender — are able to live happy it, Osaka has outstanding ease of access for ¥39 trillion, Osaka is a major city of com- and healthy lives. It is also now working both domestic and international visitors. merce in Japan and has been since olden to invite World Expo 2025 to Osaka in a Even now, both the city and the prefec- times. Its fundamental spirit is one of manner consistent with the principles of ture, together with the rest of the Osaka respecting traditions while also embracing the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals community, are aiming to become an inter- the spirit of taking on challenges. It is an Osaka Mayor Hirofumi Yoshimura (lef) and (SDGs), aiming to make it an opportunity national city that represents Japan right area brimming with manufacturing com- Osaka Governor Ichiro Matsui to communicate these advanced eforts alongside Tokyo. By successfully holding The leaders’ summit is scheduled to take place at the Intex Osaka convention center. panies known for their can-do approach throughout the world. We hope to send this summit through eforts involving all of of “there is nothing we cannot make.” It health area, including water purifcation out these eforts through the G20 Summit Osaka, the prefecture and the city hope to international city. and that they experience the very fnest in has also been contributing to the world in technologies. as well. internationally enhance Osaka’s degree of Osaka sincerely hopes that all those hospitality. The city also hopes participants the feld of life sciences, including in regen- Alongside much of the world, Japan now The summit is scheduled to take place at name recognition, how it is regarded, while coming to the summit enjoy themselves by will feel the potential and enthusiasm erative medicine making use of induced faces the issue of a super-aging society. Intex Osaka, the largest international trade also having the meeting act as a catalyst encountering its various charms frsthand Osaka holds toward contributing to the pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and the public Osaka promotes endeavors that incorpo- fair and exhibition center in western Japan for robust growth toward becoming a truly in terms of history, culture, and other areas, resolution of global issues.

Kutchan, Hokkaido Pref.: Tourism Minisers' Meeting Niigata, Niigata Pref.: Agriculture Ministers' Meeting Susainably evolving into international resort Agricultural powerhouse on a sustainable path

EIJI NISHIE AKIRA SHINODA MAYOR OF KUTCHAN MAYOR OF NIIGATA The city of Niigata The foremost sym- tempts its visitors bol of the town of with Koshihikari, one Kutchan is Mount of the varieties of its Yotei, one of Japan’s premium rice, exqui- 100 most famous site top-of-the-line mountains. Looking sake made from rice, up at Mount Yotei is and cuisine featuring another symbol of a wide array of locally the town, developed grown ingredients. through global capi- Designated in 1869 as one of Japan’s fve tal — a cluster of luxury condominiums ports open to international trade, Niigata and hotels in its Niseko-Hirafu district. As has since developed as a major international numerous foreign tourists visit Kutchan, seaport town on the Sea of Japan. enchanted by the powder snow and mag- The city is very accessible. It lies approxi- nifcent views, the town continues to mately two hours from Tokyo by Shinkan- develop as a host community. In fscal 2017, sen bullet train and Niigata Airport is served as many as 350,000 non-Japanese enjoyed Attracted by high-quality powder snow, many foreign skiers and snowboarders visit resorts in Kutchan. by many domestic and international routes. The multipurpose convention center Toki Messe is seen behind the Bandai Bridge on the overnight stays in Kutchan, and it is non- The venue for the G20 Agriculture Minis- Shinano River. Japanese who own most of the 830 condo- In order to prepare a resort environment ronment where various cultures coexist; ters’ Meeting is the Toki Messe, a multipur- miniums located in 73 buildings. in which non-Japanese tourists can enjoy it also ofers facilities and an environment pose convention center featuring a hotel, as sustainable agricultural eforts, while also rants operated by farming families and The town’s superb snow quality had sim- themselves safely and with peace of mind, that can satisfy very high expectations. well as international conference and exhibi- working to increase proftability through incorporate information and communica- ply been a given to the townspeople, but Kutchan provides a general hospital that Visitors can experience stunning felds tion halls. senary or “sixth-order” industry, integrat- tion technology into agriculture. as this spread by word of mouth around accommodates patients in multiple lan- of moss phlox, fowering potato plants, and Niigata is among Japan’s fnest and ing production, processing and sales, as Niigata hopes that through this meet- the world, investors transformed the area guages, operates extra police boxes during other naturally scenic spots, cuisine using highly productive agricultural regions. well as revitalizing rural areas by promoting, the ministers will observe these into a resort locale demanding considerable snow season, and ofers English-speaking an abundance of locally harvested crops, It is also acclaimed for its high-quality ing the use of local resources. unique eforts. Additionally, the city looks attention. The Tourism Ministers’ Meeting shops and Wi-Fi coverage at a level that and various kinds of “green season” activi- livestock and agricultural products, repre- Upon Niigata being designated a National forward to providing a highly satisfying will convene amid the scenic landscapes, makes visitors’ stays essentially stress- ties. Through these experiences, Kutchan’s sented by Koshihikari. Strategic Special Zone for agriculture, the stay to the national delegates through the environment, and facilities of Niseko- free. By hosting the ministerial meeting, visitors can enjoy a highly memorable In order to hand down rich produc- city has been working hard to realize state- geniality of its local volunteers and hospi- Hirafu. The venue is approximately a two- the town hopes to convey to people both stay in Japan. The town hopes that people tion felds to the next generation, the city of-the-art and forward-looking agriculture. tality only Niigata can provide through its and-a-half hour drive from New Chitose in Japan and abroad its appeal in terms of remember the name of Kutchan, on the is engaged in environmentally friendly, For example, it has helped launch restau- distinctive sake and cuisine. Airport. being a resort area with a rich natural envi- island of Hokkaido.

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(Sponsored content) G20 Summit 2019

Karuizawa, Nagano Pref.: Miniserial meeting on energy transitions and global environment Tsukuba, Ibaraki Pref.: Ministerial Meeting on Trade and Digital Economy A community in harmony with nature Technological hub aims for global leadership

SUSUMU FUJIMAKI KAZUHIKO OIGAWA MAYOR OF KARUIZAWA GOVERNOR OF IBARAKI Ibaraki Prefecture The town of is characterized by Karuizawa, located having both indus- on a plateau 1,000 try and agriculture, meters above sea not only highly level, is surrounded developed, but also by a beautiful natu- highly in balance. ral environment The birthplace of nestled at the foot of Hitachi, Ltd., Ibaraki the majestic Mount boasts clusters of Asama. A thriving Japan’s leading manufacturing companies, post town until the Edo Period (1603–1867), and it has been the launching point for Karuizawa won high praise in 1886 from many global corporations. The prefecture a Canadian missionary, Alexander Crof also boasts a thriving agricultural industry, Shaw, as “a hospital without a roof.” Then with melons, rice and the premium brand it began its history as a place to fnd respite of beef known as Hitachigyu among the from the heat and as an international setting Karuizawa sits on a 1,000-meter high plateau at the south foot of Mount Asama. TOWN OF KARUIZAWA items now being exported to overseas Central Tsukuba with famed Mount Tsukuba in the background. IBARAKI PREFECTURE for health and recreation. It has since devel- markets. International base ports within oped as an area of vacation homes, a loca- bullet train and an hour and 40 minutes away ment for Sustainable Growth, Karuizawa will Ibaraki play a major role in Japan’s physi- with scores of cutting-edge technologies, The prefecture hopes hosting the tion where prominent people from a wide by car via the expressway. send a message to the world about the impor- cal distribution. is also an international city that is home G20 ministerial meeting will enable it range of felds interact and a site for interna- Aspiring to be a town frmly grounded in tance of energy conversion and conservation As a general policy that also covers the to roughly 8,700 non-Japanese research- to show the world the way forward for tional sports competitions; Karuizawa is one coexistence with nature, Karuizawa promotes of the global environment. At the same time, city of Tsukuba in order to further grow ers and students, representing about 140 global economic partnerships and digital of Japan’s preeminent resort areas, welcom- greater energy conservation, as well as local it wants to introduce the town’s advanced its economy, Ibaraki Prefecture supports countries. The city has been developed technology utilization by showcasing ing some 8.3 million visitors annually. production for local consumption in the area eforts in the hope of providing a guide to peo- eforts to resolve social issues through over half a century as a science city under its on-going eforts. In welcoming the Visitors to Karuizawa can easily enjoy its of energy. In concrete terms, it is working to ple around the world as they work to build the use of innovative digital technologies national policy. During this time, Tsukuba meeting’s participants, Ibaraki will make natural beauty to the fullest through trekking, reduce environmental impacts by equip- sustainable communities. such as autonomous driving and robotics. has produced Nobel laureates and estab- use of items produced within the pre- cycling and other activities. The town ofers ping public facilities with renewable energy Karuizawa intends to put forth its fnest In addition, the prefecture fosters human lished research facilities at the highest fecture to let people feel for themselves a wealth of sports and hot spring facilities, as systems and providing subsidies for the instal- eforts to enable participants to experience resources by using digital equipment to level in the world. Tsukuba enjoys easy that Tsukuba integrates cutting-edge sci- well as numerous restaurants, lodging, and lation of residential solar power generation activities in Karuizawa’s nature and enjoy Jap- help them play a leading role in the future. access from Tokyo, located only 45 min- ence and technology and natural abun- shopping facilities. Karuizawa enjoys easy systems and the purchase of electric vehicles. anese and other cuisines using an abundance The ministerial meeting’s host city utes from the city center by the Tsukuba dance, thereby boosting interest in the access from the Tokyo metropolitan area. It is Through the upcoming Ministerial Meeting of locally sourced ingredients, thereby helping of Tsukuba, Japan’s leading science city Express train. prefecture. located just over an hour away by Shinkansen on Energy Transitions and Global Environ- to foster creativity during the meeting.

Okayama, Okayama Pref.: Health Minisers' Meeting Aichi Pref.: Foreign Ministers' Meeting Heart of economy merges tradition, innovation Ofering advanced health care, treatment

HIDEAKI OHMURA MASAO OMORI GOVERNOR OF AICHI MAYOR O F OKAYAMA Aichi Prefecture, one of the world’s leading The city of industrial regions, is Okayama, with home to both next- a population of generation and tra- 720,000, sufers few ditional industries, natural disasters, notably automobile enjoys a warm cli- and aerospace man- mate, and lies at an ufacturers, robotics important point frms and other key for domestic trafc. felds. Because the area is also home to an As one of western abundant pool of outstanding researchers Japan’s leading convention cities, the num- One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Okayama Korakuen has an over 300-year history, with and engineers supporting manufacturing, ber of conventions it hosts has been growing Okayama Castle in the background. it also features numerous research institu- The iconic Nagoya Castle against a backdrop of the city’s skyscrapers. yearly. At the Stakeholder Meetings of the tions pursuing advanced endeavors. No UNESCO World Conference on Education roughly three hours from Tokyo by Shinkan- Okayama hopes to send out two mes- less than seven Nobel laureates are con- terpiece of early modern castle and palace for Sustainable Development (ESD) in 2014. for Sustainable Development (ESD) held in sen bullet train and roughly 30 minutes from sages to the world through this ministerial nected to Aichi Prefecture. architecture, visitors can view samurai On the occasion of the G7 Ise-Shima Sum- 2014, Okayama received high praise interna- Okayama Airport by car. meeting. The frst is that health is a foun- With this collection of globally promi- culture such as gorgeous paintings on the mit in 2016, in addition to the welcome tionally as a city taking the lead in ESD. A city advanced in medical treatment dation for building a sustainable society, nent manufacturers as a backdrop, Aichi sliding doors and panel artwork on the ceremony it conducted at Chubu Centrair Okayama enjoys an abundance of tourism and health, Okayama is particularly suited and that companies and the government Prefecture is the very heart of Japan’s ceiling that bring bygone days to life. The International Airport, it also held a welcome resources, including numerous remains from to host the meeting of G20 health ministers. need to engage in health promotion as a economy. Aichi hopes to beneft from the area’s distinctive food culture, notably reception attended by representatives of a ffh-century kingdom, as well as Okayama The number of doctors and hospitals per social issue. The second is that medical care G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting through grilled eel on rice, pork cutlets with miso the countries participating in the outreach Korakuen, one of the Three Great Gardens capita places Okayama among the highest- should be provided under the universal communicating its industrial strengths sauce, chicken wings and fat noodles, also meeting and international organizations. of Japan, which was originally landscaped ranked in Japan and the city boasts a high health coverage philosophy that states, “no and cutting-edge technological capabili- draws visitors to the area. This ministerial meeting will also make at the end of the 17th century, and has been concentration of medical institutions pro- one is lef behind.” ties to the world. Aichi has also hosted large-scale events active use of eforts by local volunteers to awarded three Michelin stars. Okayama spe- viding highly advanced medical treatment. The city hopes that those attending On the contrary, the prefecture in olden before this meeting, including the 2005 provide hospitality as a concerted regional cialty fruits such as white peaches, muscat Taking advantage of these abundant medi- the meeting will also enjoy Okayama’s days also produced a large number of sam- World Exposition, the 10th meeting of the undertaking. Aichi Prefecture hopes par- grapes and pione grapes are highly regarded cal treatment resources, the city is working engaging tourism resources and see for urai leaders who laid the foundation of Conference of the Parties to the Conven- ticipants will see for themselves Japan’s both domestically and overseas. to develop a society in which everyone is themselves the city’s good points through early modern Japan. At the Nagoya Castle tion on Biological Diversity in 2010, and the foremost industrial and economic capacity The G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting is able to live in a healthy manner in a place hospitality only found in Okayama and Honmaru Palace, said to be the fnest mas- UNESCO World Conference on Education and engage in warmhearted exchanges. scheduled to be in the vicinity of Okayama they are used to living, even when requiring interactions with children who will take on Station, making it easily accessible in medical or nursing care. the responsibilities of the next generation.

Matsuyama, Ehime Pref.: Labour and Employment Minisers' Meeting Fukuoka, Fukuoka Pref.: Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' Meeting City ofers labor reform, work-life balance An ideal blend of innovation and qualit of life

TOKIHIRO NAKAMURA/ KATSUHITO NOSHI SOICHIRO TAKASHIMA GOVERNOR OF EHIME/MAYOR OF MAYOR O F FUKUOKA MATSUYAMA Fukuoka, a city of 1.57 million people with some 2,000 years of history, is a vibrant place with many young people. In contrast to the declines in population seen in many cities nationwide, Fukuoka is growing at a rate surpassing even that of Tokyo. It is also known as one of Japan’s best cities for food, and visitors Matsuyama Mayor Katsuhito Noshi (lef) and can enjoy not only the pork bone broth ramen Ehime Governor Tokihiro Nakamura for which the city is famous but also fresh sea- Seaside Momochi in the western area of the city features the iconic Fukuoka Tower and other The famed Dogo Onsen Honkan main building in Matsuyma. food and stewpot dishes. The city has numer- prominent facilities. CITY OF FUKUOKA Matsuyama is the largest city on the ous ancient Shinto shrines and Buddhist island of Shikoku, with a population of shima Prefecture, known as the Shima- through the introduction of IT equipment, temples and is also rich in history, tradition, Japan and overseas to Fukuoka, vaulting its at a scale surpassing anything Fukuoka has 515,000. Although the city sprang up nami Kaido Expressway, also features while promoting the creation of a wide range and culture, with events such as the Hakata start-up ratio into the top tier nationwide. hosted in the past. The city hopes its compe- around Matsuyama Castle, it has long cycling lanes selected by CNN as one of the of work styles and schedules. Gion Yamakasa Festival, which has been reg- Capitalizing on these unique and strong tence in successfully handling even an event been known as a health resort because of seven best cycling routes in the world. The city of Matsuyama maintains that istered on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural points, Fukuoka is working to develop a sus- of this scale will heighten Fukuoka’s pres- Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring. In The city is supporting telecommuting in order to be an attractive place to live, Heritage list, and Hakata-ori textiles, which this tainable society that incorporates advanced ence on the international stage. refection of its many tourism resources, among the disabled, single parents, women it must become a city that all residents year mark their 777th year as a craf. technologies, including artifcial intelligence The city hopes that the visitors attending Matsuyama has been designated a City raising small children and others by such poli- regard as pleasant to live in, while creating At the same time, Fukuoka is Japan’s fore- and the “internet of things” in every corner the meeting will enjoy touring both Fukuoka of International Tourism and Hot Springs cies and measures as cultivating people who an environment where people can choose most city for startups and has been desig- of human life. It also aspires to be a city with and Kyushu as a whole. The island of Kyushu Culture by the national government. can work successfully at home, providing sup- work arrangements that best ft with their nated a National Strategic Special Zone for a good balance between economic growth ofers visitors an abundance of unique and Ehime Prefecture, where Matsuyama port for job seekers, and creating opportuni- particular lifestyles. Through this ministe- Global Startups and Job Creation. Govern- and safe, comfortable lifestyles in which attractive points, ranging from cuisine, history is located, is connected to Hiroshima Pre- ties for these workers to receive work orders. rial meeting, Matsuyama will show the ment policies including corporate tax cuts for people enjoy peace of mind. and culture to natural beauty and hot springs. fecture, its neighbor on the opposite side Moreover, from fscal 2018, Matsuyama has world the endeavors it is undertaking. startups and a relaxation of visa requirements The G20 ministerial meeting will be an The city will actively conduct public relations of the Seto Inland Sea, by nine long-span been making full-scale eforts to be a lead- The city looks forward to starting a new for startup entrepreneurs have brought out- international gathering bringing together activities so that both Fukuoka and Kyushu bridges. The route connecting Imabari, ing city in realizing work style reform. It is page toward working to resolve labor and standing human resources from both around important guests from around the world, leave a lasting impression on their G20 visitors. Ehime Prefecture, with Onomichi, Hiro- pressing forward with raising work efciency employment issues around the world.

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