Cultural figures call for a "Kyoto Culture Fair" ahead of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics

A press conference calling on the people of Kyoto to unite their efforts for the "Kyoto Culture Fair," which aims to convey the essence of Japanese culture and the deep spirituality of the Japanese people to the world ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, was held at a hotel in Kyoto City on August 18.
The callers were cultural figures connected to Kyoto: philosopher Takeshi Umehara, kabuki actor Fujijuro Sakata, Sen Genshitsu (former head of the Urasenke school of tea ceremony, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, and advisor to the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee), Professor Shinya Yamanaka (Director of the Kyoto University iPS Cell Research Institute), and Takemiko Reizei (descendant of Fujiwara no Teika and Managing Director of the Reizei Family Shiguretei Library). Representing the group at the press conference were Mr. Sen and Ms. Reizei.

From left: Chairman Tateishi, Mayor Kadokawa, Governor Yamada, Mr. Sen, Ms. Reizei

 

At the venue, a call to action was presented by Mr. Sen and Ms. Reizei and handed to Kyoto Prefecture Governor Keiji Yamada, Kyoto City Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa, and Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Yoshio Tateishi (photo above).
Mr. Sen then commented, "With the cooperation of the residents of Kyoto Prefecture and the surrounding areas, we want to pass on the great achievements of the Olympics to future generations. We will consult with representatives from various fields, including through tea ceremonies, to support Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, and the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry in realizing this fair." The three officials who received the appeal expressed their determination to implement the fair, stating, "We will establish a citywide promotion system in September or October, make proposals to the Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee, and formulate a basic plan by next fall."
Kyoto Prefecture Website: "Regarding the Kyoto Culture Fair Initiative"
http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/bunkafair/news/yobikake.html
Full text of the call for participation is available here.