Governor Morita Visits Düsseldorf

June 7, 2012

International Affairs Division

Policy and Planning Department

Chiba Prefectural Government

Tel　043-223-2392 

Friday, June 1

Meeting with the Lord Mayor of Düsseldorf

Governor Morita visited Düsseldorf City Hall and met with Lord Mayor Elbers.

During the meeting, Governor Morita expressed appreciation for support following the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Governor and Lord Mayor Elbers signed a memorandum of understanding reaffirming the agreement to further the partnership between Chiba Prefecture and Düsseldorf.

Additionally, the Governor signed the city’s Golden Book in commemoration of his visit to Düsseldorf. (* “Golden Books” are guest books which visitors to sign during their first visit to a municipality. This is a popular custom for many German municipalities.)

Tour of Düsseldorf

Governor Morita was guided by city officials around key areas, including the MediaHarbor district, which is a redevelopment area along the Rhine River with many unique buildings, and major project sites. 

Visit to the Consulate General of Japan in Düsseldorf

Governor Morita visited the Consulate General of Japan in Düsseldorf and met with Consul General Koinuma.

Mr. Koinuma explained an overview of Japan Day, the situation of local economy, and exchange program for young generation.

Governor Morita mentioned that he hoped to develop the partnership between Chiba Prefecture and Düsseldorf on getting support by the Consulate General. 

Exchange Party

Chiba Prefecture hosted an exchange party with the Consulate General of Japan in Düsseldorf at the residence of the Consul General. About 80 guests from Düsseldorf City, Japanese companies, the Japanese community, and other related organizations attended this party and deepened friendship each other.

During the party, the members of Chiba Traditional Local Cooking Study Group served Futomaki-sushi to guests and Mr. Yasuto Ohara, a jazz musician from Chiba, gave a piano performance. 

Saturday, June 2

Japan Day

Japan Day is a day of events organized by the local government and Japanese community organizations, such as Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Düsseldorf and Japan Club, to introduce Japanese culture.

At the opening ceremony, Governor Morita expressed thanks on behalf of the people of Chiba Prefecture for support following the Great East Japan Earthquake and introduced Chiba’s many attractions to Düsseldorf citizens.

Following the ceremony, Governor Morita showed Lord Mayor Elbers and Consul General Koinuma to the Chiba PR tent and strengthened exchanges with them.

At Chiba’s PR tent, which was run with the support of members of the Japanese-German Association of Chiba, there was an exhibition of photos, quizzes, and a corner where visitors could try on samurai armor. The tent was very successful and had many visitors throughout the entire day. 

Reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of Düsseldorf

This reception, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Düsseldorf, was held at Tonhalle, a concert hall situated next to the Rhine River.

During the reception, the Governor celebrated the success of Japan Day and commented that “our friendship is eternal and I will always remember you.” 

Monday, June 4

Cycle tourism tour

Chiba Prefecture is developing tourism promotion policies that utilize regional potential through cycling. Governor Morita observed cycle tourism in Germany, where it is very popular. Due to its popularity, there has been the construction of hundreds of kilometers of cycling roads along with other efforts.

At Maintal City, Governor Morita was briefed about the cycle tourism by a member of the Allgemeinger Deutscher Fahrrad-Club (ADFC). He also observed accommodations equipped with parking spaces and tools for bicycle, as well as a large boat that can deliver bicycles and vehicles to the opposite side of the river. 

Taunus Nature Park

In order to manifest the multifunctional potential of forests, such as forest recreation and disaster prevention, Chiba Prefecture supports forest preservation and is working to promoting to lengthen the duration of tourists’ stays and increase overnight tourism.

There are many long-term accommodation resorts in Germany featuring resources such as forests and hot springs. Governor Morita visited Taunus Nature Park to learn about how to utilize forests in the tourism sector.

During his tour, the Governor was briefed about the park and walked the hiking course. 

Tuesday, June 5

Visit to Messe Frankfurt

Governor Morita visited Messe Frankfurt, which has the second largest exhibition area in the world. It is much larger than Chiba’s Makuhari Messe, which is one of the largest exhibition areas in Asia.

the Governor was briefed about method of management, global strategy and effect to local economy by an executive of the firm. After that, he saw the facilities. 

Visit to Frankfurt International Airport

It has become necessary for Narita International Airport, an international hub airport serving Japan’s metropolitan area, to expand convenience and other functions. In order to gain ideas about how to improve Narita International Airport, Governor Morita visited Frankfurt International Airport, which is also globally-renowned international hub airport.

The Governor was briefed about the airport by the executive of the management firm “Fraport” and also saw facilities which help improve the airport’s convenience.