Feature: G20 Japan 2019 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting G20 Summit & Ministerial Meetings to Kutchan, Hokkaido Pref. Be Held for the First Time in Japan On the 28th and 29th of June 2019, the leaders of the G20 will gather in Osaka as Japan hosts its first ever G20 Summit. Concurrent with the Summit meeting, the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting, the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and other ministerial Agriculture meetings will also be held at eight different locations Ministers’ Meeting throughout Japan. Niigata, During its presidency of next year’s G20 Summit, the Niigata Pref. Japanese government is determined to carry out strong leadership in advancing discussions toward resolving the myriad issues now facing the international community. G20 Summit Meeting At the same time, the G20 Summit is a perfect Osaka, Osaka Pref. opportunity for people from all over the world to see and experience not only a newly revitalized and transforming Japan—which is thanks to booming corporate profits and a wave of inbound investment as a result of bold Finance Ministers regulatory reforms and other stimulus measures—but and Central bank Ministerial Meeting on also the wide-ranging appeal of the various regions that Governors’ Meeting Trade and Digital Economy will host these consequential discussions. Fukuoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki Pref. Fukuoka Pref. What Are the G20 Summit & Ministerial Meetings? The G20 Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy is held every year to discuss the critical issues affect- ing the global economy, and it brings together the members of the G7 (France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada and the European Union), as well as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Turkey (listed in alphabetical order). The participating nations represent 80% of global gross domestic product. Designated as the “premier forum for international economic cooperation” at the Pittsburgh meet- Foreign Ministers’ Meeting ing in 2009, in recent years the G20 Summit has dealt with a wide range of issues facing the global community, including Nagoya, Aichi Pref. development, climate and energy, digital economy, and Ministerial Meeting on Energy employment in addition to the world economy. Ministerial meetings discussing related themes are also Labour and Employment Transitions and Global Environment held during the host year. Ministers’ Meeting Health Ministers’ Meeting for Sustainable Growth Matsuyama, Ehime Pref. Okayama, Okayama Pref. Karuizawa, Nagano Pref. 10 11 Feature: G20 Japan 2019 Evolving into One of Japan’s Preeminent International Resorts All Nine Host Cities Represent Tourism Ministers’ Meeting (Kutchan, Hokkaido Prefecture) The town of Kutchan, located a two-and-a-half hour drive Unique Aspects of Japan from New Chitose Airport, is one of Japan’s top ski resorts. Kutchan has become internationally recognized for its high- The nine cities hosting the G20 Summit and its quality powder snow and scenic landscapes, and the related ministerial meetings all have their own number of foreign tourists has risen dramatically over the fascinating cuisine, history, and culture. The city of past 20 years. Luxury condominiums are being built in rapid Osaka, location of the Summit Meeting, is one of succession thanks to foreign direct investment, Kutchan supports the development of luxury Japan’s economic powerhouses with a population transforming the town into an international resort. condominiums and hotels, while enforcing strict environmental standards. of 2.72 million (Osaka Prefecture: 8.83 million) Kutchan Mayor Eiji Nishie explains, “In order to Eiji Nishie, Mayor of Kutchan Born in Hokkaido in 1963. Became mayor in and a GDP of JPY 20 trillion (USD 187 billion) prevent disorderly development, we take the landscape 2015, after serving as Kutchan’s Construction (Osaka Prefecture: JPY 39 trillion (USD 364 into account in our planning, for example by restricting Section Manager and in other positions. billion)). Meanwhile, the Tourism Ministers’ the height of buildings to that of local trees. This has Meeting will be held in Hokkaido’s increasingly benefitted our town’s reputation overseas and attracted “The entire town has made great efforts to become popular and scenic international resort town of more foreign investment.” even more hospitable towards our guests, putting up Kutchan, with a population of 16,000. These The town has worked hard to make life easier for non- additional guidance signs and enhancing Wi-Fi coverage. The G20 Hamburg Summit was held from July 7 to 8, 2017 in Germany. The G20 Buenos Aires Summit will be held incredibly diverse municipalities have already Japanese visitors, including by providing foreign language We’ll be able to treat everyone to a stress-free stay for the from November 30 to December 1, 2018 in Argentina. started thoroughly preparing for the gatherings services at its general hospital. Since tourism is a highly upcoming G20 ministerial meeting, and we hope to make they will host. The following article showcases the seasonal industry, Kutchan has also implemented the meeting an opportunity for all participants, including appealing qualities of each of the host cities and measures to attract conventions during the off-season and ministers, to share examples of their own difficulties and the expectations of their leaders. become an all-year resort. successes in promoting tourism,” says Mayor Nishie. An International City Rivaling Tokyo candidate to host the World Expo 2025. Osaka Prefecture is A Science City and Hub of Cutting-Edge Technology Summit Meeting (Osaka, Osaka Prefecture) working together with the city of Osaka and the business Ministerial Meeting on Trade and Digital Economy (Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture) community to ensure that the G20 Summit is a definitive Osaka is a major city of commerce and has been since success.” Ibaraki Prefecture is located in the vicinity of Tokyo, and olden times. Today it is served by three different airports, Osaka City Mayor Hirofumi Yoshimura, too, is looking the region boasts agriculture and manufacturing that are including Kansai International Airport with round-the-clock forward to the summit. “For the safety of this top-level not only highly developed, but also highly in balance. Ibaraki is devoted to the use of arrivals and departures, and has become an international global summit and the 30,000 people it will gather, we are Furthermore, the ministerial meeting’s host city of robotics and digital technology for educating its next generation of city bustling with over 10 million foreign visitors per year. taking every precaution. I want to make the G20 Summit’s Tsukuba is known as Japan’s leading science city, with skilled professionals. According to Governor of Osaka Prefecture Ichiro success an opportunity scores of cutting-edge technologies. Roughly 8,700 non- Ibaraki Pref. Matsui, “The prefecture and city have worked together to for Osaka to grow to Japanese researchers and students representing about 140 enhance Osaka’s urban infrastructure, and we’re able to represent Japan right countries live in this international city. Tsukuba enjoys Kazuhiko Oigawa, provide an ideal environment for welcoming the visiting alongside Tokyo.” easy access from Tokyo, located only about 45 minutes Governor of Ibaraki Prefecture heads of state. They’ll see that Osaka is brimming with from the city center by train. Born in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture in 1964. Joined the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (the manufacturing companies known for their can-do Ibaraki Prefecture Governor Kazuhiko Oigawa explains, present Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) in approach that says, ‘there’s nothing we can’t make.’” “We’re taking advantage of the favorable conditions in 1988. Left the Ministry in 2003 and served in positions such as Director of DWANGO Co., Ltd., Alongside much of the world, Japan now faces the issue Ichiro Matsui (right), Ibaraki to pursue efforts that are ahead of other Governor of Osaka Prefecture before assuming the office of Governor of Ibaraki Prefecture in September 2017. of a super-aging society, and Osaka is promoting endeavors Born in Osaka Prefecture in 1964. Served as a prefectures’ in order to further boost our industry and that incorporate cutting-edge technologies to develop a member of the Osaka Prefectural Assembly. Elected cultivate future leaders.” Examples of these efforts include as Governor of Osaka Prefecture in 2011. society in which all people can live healthy and happy lives. Ibaraki’s approaches to resolving social issues through the Tsukuba to the world as a cutting-edge technological hub Hirofumi Yoshimura (left), Osaka is also now working to invite the World Expo 2025 to As a candidate for hosting the World Expo Mayor of Osaka use of innovative digital technologies such as autonomous while showcasing Ibaraki Prefecture’s beautiful nature, and Osaka, under the banner of “Designing Future Society for 2025, Osaka continues to transform to Born in Osaka Prefecture in 1975. Became a licensed driving and robotics, and fostering human resources with enable this region to show the world the way forward for become a truly international city. attorney in 2000. Served as a member of the Osaka Our Lives.” According to Governor Matsui, “The G20 MINISTRY OF ECONOMY, TRADE AND City Council and as a member of the House of the help of digital equipment. global economic partnerships and digital technology Summit is also an opportunity to raise Osaka’s profile as a INDUSTRY Representatives. Elected as Mayor of Osaka in 2015. “Through the upcoming meeting, I hope to promote utilization,” says Governor Oigawa. 12 13 Feature: G20 Japan 2019 Pioneering Next-Generation Agriculture and Food Culture “The Heart of Japan—Technology and Tradition” Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting (Niigata, Niigata Prefecture) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture) Niigata Prefecture and its city of Niigata have highly Aichi Prefecture is one of the world’s leading industrial productive agriculture and fishing industries.