Large-Scale International Conference "Sports, Culture, and World Forum" Held

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) held the "Sports, Culture, World Forum" (hosted by MEXT, the Japan Sports Agency, and the Agency for Cultural Affairs) in Kyoto and Tokyo from October 19 to 22. This international conference aimed to deepen bonds across Asia and the world by transcending the boundaries of sports, culture, and economics.

Through collaboration with the World Economic Forum, the event aimed to generate international outreach and create new business opportunities.

Positioned as a kickoff event to build international momentum, it discussed and disseminated information on international contributions through sports, culture, and business, as well as tangible and intangible legacies. This was done in conjunction with the tourism sector, looking ahead to the Rugby World Cup 2019, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Kansai World Masters Games 2021.

Under the slogan "ALL Together! Co-Creation, Co-Growth for TOKYO 2020 and Beyond. Let's create together. New growth.", it presented three visions: "Enhancing Human Potential," "Promoting Global Exchange," and "Sparking New Economic and Cultural Initiatives."

Participants included sports ministers from Japan and abroad, leaders of international promotion organizations and global corporations, next-generation business leaders from the World Economic Forum, and renowned researchers. Various conferences, events, workshops, and sessions on culture and sports were held.

The Tokyo Plenary, held on the 20th at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo in Minato Ward, was attended by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, International Paralympic Committee President Philip Craven, and Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee President Yoshiro Mori. They delivered keynote speeches declaring the opening of the Tokyo Games, building on the achievements from Kyoto.

In a video message, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed his expectations for the forum, stating, "Sport and culture nurture new dreams and smiles, bringing hope. They connect people. They have the power to change the world and the future. Let us all take a step forward to become protagonists in creating a legacy, so that we can look back and see that 2020 was the beginning."

 

Chairman Mori stated, "The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a festival of sports and culture. Presidents Bach and Craven are individuals who excel in both athletics and academics. We will work closely with both to make the Tokyo Games wonderful." Regarding the torch relay, he expressed his hope, "We are aware of the difficulties, but we wish to hold it not only in Tohoku but also in Kumamoto."

President Bach, smiling, joked, "President Mori has put pressure on me regarding the torch relay, so I'll have to come up with a good plan," while expressing his intention to hold baseball and softball games in the disaster-affected areas. He added, "I hope the Games can contribute to the region's recovery. It would be great if the legacy extended not just to Tokyo, but to all of Japan." He also noted that legacies can be both tangible and intangible, expressing his hope that the Games would become an event that not only showcases sports but also shares Japanese culture with the world.

Following a panel discussion on expectations for the forum and Japan's future direction, featuring Education Minister Matsuno and private sector executives, the cultural event "The Land of the Rising Sun" was performed.

The theme was "Japan faces challenges like natural disasters, but let's live energetically." Directed by Amon Miyamoto, with visual direction by Toshiyuki Inoko's teamLab and visual collaboration by photographer Mika Ninagawa. Performers including actor Ryohei Suzuki, kabuki actor Ebizo Ichikawa, and soprano singer Maki Mori portrayed a timeless "present" Japan.

The event began with a presentation by Suzuki introducing Japan, followed by a spectacular stage featuring projection mapping, dance, and kabuki, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Official Website: http://wfsc2016.mext.go.jp/