Chiba Prefecture > International Exchange Activities > Chiba International Information Square > International Exchange and Cooperation > Outcomes of the Exchange Program with Düsseldorf
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Update:December 16, 2010
Outcomes of the Exchange Program with Düsseldorf
June 16, 2005
Chiba Prefecture Policy Planning Division
Telephone: 043-223-2254/2436
The City of Düsseldorf, Germany held a highly acclaimed free concert played by the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra yesterday (June 15) for the people of Chiba as evidence of their friendship. The Mayor of Düsseldorf attended and met Governor Domoto at the Kazusa Akademia Park, then issued a joint statement based on their discussion.
Chiba also participated in "Japan Day" held in Düsseldorf on May 28 and 30 as a regional partner and promoted Chiba Prefecture to the citizens and local business representatives. The Chiba delegation also paid a courtesy visit to related organizations in order to strengthen mutual links.
1. Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra Concert and Other Events
- (1) A classical music concert played by the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra, which has over 400 years of history, was held yesterday (June 15) from 6:30 p.m. at the Narashino Bunka Hall.
The Hall was packed; three pieces were played including "Cello Concerto No. 2 in D major" by Joseph Haydn. The entire audience, so impressed at the beautiful tone of the traditional orchestra, greeted the performance with thunderous applause.
The members of the New Philharmony Orchestra Chiba and the Chiba Youth Symphony Orchestra, also classical musicians, presented a bouquet to the commander, soloist, and concertmaster from Düsseldorf .
The encore was "Eine kleine Nachtmusik," composed by Mozart, which is reported to have been played by an orchestra formed from prisoners of war at the German Prison Camp in Narashino during World War I. It was also greeted with major applause.
- (2) After the concert, a reception hosted by Düsseldorf was held and over 150 representatives of business, music, football, etc. were invited to enjoy a pleasant time drinking Altbier, a typical Düsseldorf beer.
- (3) Before the concert, there was a lunch hosted by the Prefecture to welcome the members of the Orchestra.
During the lunch, the Chiba Girl's High School Orchestra, one of the best high school orchestras in Japan, played German pieces to enhance the friendly relationship between the two areas.
2. Visit of the Mayor of Düsseldorf to Chiba and Talk with the Governor
The Düsseldorf delegation (7 people) headed by Mayor Erwin visited Chiba Prefecture, where they met Governor Domoto and also carried out a study tour of local companies.
- (1) Meeting with the Governor and Presentation of Joint Statement
Mayor Erwin met Governor Domoto at the Kazusa Akademia Park to discuss the desirable nature of the exchange between the Chiba Prefecture and Düsseldorf.
The Governor and Mayor called a joint press conference before the concert and announced the release of a joint statement based on an agreement to promote the mutual relationship in various sectors, such as the economy, culture, sports, and sciences.
Joint Statement Between Chiba Prefecture, Japan and Düsseldorf City, Federal Republic of Germany
- (2) Study Tour to Various Facilities within the Prefecture
The Düsseldorf delegation visited the following facilities:
- - Tokyo Bay Aqualine "Umihotaru"
- - Kazusa DNA Research Institute (Kisarazu City)
- - Kazusa Clean System Co., Ltd.
- - Sodegaura Center, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
They also visited a photographic exhibition of a German Prison Camp at Narashino Bunka Hall.
3. Chiba Prefecture Participation in "Japan Day," etc.
Chiba Prefecture participated in "Japan Day" as a regional partner, an event to introduce Japan, which was initiated in 2002 by three parties of the Japanese community in Düsseldorf within the Nordrhein-Westfalen state. The delegate from the prefecture also visited various related organizations to discuss future exchange programs.
- (1) Cultural Exchange and Friendship Event (May 28) = Number of visitors according to the organizer: 1.2 million
- - Setting up the "Chiba Information Booth"
We promoted Chiba using a quiz and exhibition, introducing our prominent international establishments such as Narita International Airport, Makuhari Messe, and various tourist facilities with abundant natural resources. Many people visited the booth every day. In the Opening Ceremony speech, we received greeting messages from Mayor Erwin and others that said, "We are delighted that Chiba participated in this event. We would like to consider the occasion as a starting point to develop our relationship." Sake from Chiba was provided for the "Kagamiwari" ceremony.
- (2) Economic Symposium (May 30) = Number of participants:
300 business representatives
We offered materials including information about Chiba, messages from the Governor of Chiba, invitation brochures to overseas firms for investment in Chiba and leaflets about Makuhari Messe and Kazusa Akademia Park to all participants. In addition, we established a Chiba information stand, where visitors could obtain information about the investment environment of the prefecture.
- (3) Visits to Related Facilities
Principal Facilities:
- - Düsseldorf City Hall - Düsseldorf Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- - State Government of Nordrhein-Westfalen - Consulate General of Japan in Düsseldorf
- - Japan Club Düsseldorf - JETRO Düsseldorf Center, etc.
