'Japan is yours to discover in Kansai' seminar and reception

1 Nov 04

Participants gather information about Kansai at the tabletop exhibition

As a part of the Visit Japan Campaign (VJC) in the UK, a seminar entitled ��ϫapan is yours to discover in Kansai' took place on October 21, co-organised by the Kansai International Tourism Promotion Centre (KITPC) and the Embassy of Japan, with support from the Japan National Tourist Organisation London Office.

Ambassador Nogami delivers the opening speech	Speech by Mr Shojiro Nan-ya Chairman of the Kansai International Tourism Promotion Center

The seminar highlighted attractive tourist spots in Kansai as well as its accessibility from London via direct flights to Kansai International Airport. In his opening speech, Ambassador Yoshiji Nogami observed that ����n Kansai you will find the modern and the traditional co-existing harmoniously.�ߡ�Mr Shojiro Nan-ya, Chairman of the KITPC, described the Kansai region as enjoying ����he best of two worlds: ancient aspects such as its natural beauty, an abundance of onsen spas and rich historical traditions on one hand; and modern aspects like high-technology industries and a thriving contemporary culture on the other.�ߡ�

The seminar also featured a presentation by Buddhist priest Kurt Genso from Switzerland, who is based at Koyasan, Wakayama Prefecture. He talked about the charms and 1,200-year history of Koyasan, the most recent place in Japan to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kurt Genso, Buddhist priest from Switzerland, give a presentation on Koyasan

The seminar was followed by a Q&A session and a reception, during which guests enjoyed a musical performance of Japanese traditional instruments. Throughout the evening a tabletop exhibition offered information on all aspects of tourism in Kansai, including transport and sample tourist routes.