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| A rich variety of events for global exchange between people and cultures 4th International Exchange Week in Tokyo International Forum Jan. 24th - Feb 5th / Hall C, others From the Tokyo International Forum to the world - "International Exchange Week in Tokyo International Forum" is a richly cosmopolitan annual event featuring exchanges between people and cultures from around the world. This year again, with the cooperation of citizens' groups, NGOs, and others, a highly varied program was presented throughout the Forum facilities, to considerable acclaim. Here, we review two of the many events that were held.
Jan. 31st (Fri.) Hall C Japan remains in the doldrums of a long recession since the collapse of the "bubble". So has the Japanese economy fallen behind in the global market? What sort of action is needed to bring out the latent power of the economy? This event was a panel discussion on the theme of "Tasks for the Japanese economy - How can we bring out the strengths of the Japanese economy?". It brought together top management figures from Japanese companies that continue to grow in global terms, and academics whose job is to analyze the Japanese economy from global perspectives. With such a high-profile theme and, as panelists, well-known economic and cultural experts well-versed in global economy, the venue (Hall C) was packed to the rafters. A lasting impression was the sight of audience members taking notes as they listened intently to the four panelists, who exchanged a variety of case studies as well as discussing Japan's present problems and measures for economic revival from their respective viewpoints.
"Peace Art" Poster Exhibition Jan. 24th (Fri.) - 30th (Thu.) E Gallery
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Applying the lessons learnt from the Great Hanshin Earthquake What we can do today - 1.17 Kobe Memorial Lantern Service Jan. 18th / Plaza Eight years have passed since the Great Hanshin Earthquake struck on January 17th, 1995. "What we can do today - 1.17 Kobe Memorial Lantern Service" was held in the Plaza (Courtyard) on the afternoon of January 18th. The aim was to remember the thousands who died in the earthquake, and to apply the wisdom learnt from the earthquake for better survival in coming disasters. The event was promoted by the Tokyo Disaster Volunteer Network, a voluntary organization that was launched as a direct result of the earthquake. The venue featured sections for raising awareness and knowledge on disaster prevention (including simulated earthquake experience using an earthquake simulator truck, emergency first aid experience, smoke house experience, a disaster prevention quiz, and narrated experience of earthquakes and the Miyakejima volcanic eruption), with cooperation from the metropolitan government, Chiyoda Ward, the Marunouchi Fire Service, companies, organizations, and volunteer groups inside and outside the metropolitan region, and others. Many visitors took part in these events. The main part of the program, the "1.17 Kobe Memorial Lantern Service", started from late afternoon. Candleholders made from plastic bottles were lined up, and when simultaneously lit by volunteers at 5 o'clock, they spelt out the inscription "1.17 Kobe". Then, at 5:46 p.m. (the earthquake struck at 5:46 a.m.), the participants stood silent with small candles in their hands, remembering the victims of the earthquake and renewing their determination to prevent disasters. |
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