Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has published an update on its ‘Promotion of the Cool Japan Strategy and Creative Tokyo Project’ (PDF).
As a part of such initiatives, METI will promote the ‘Creative Tokyo’ project in the capital city as a showcase of Japanese creative industries. Related ministries and agencies, shopping districts, department stores, developers, universities, organizers of related events, and NPOs will all unite with the aim of reviving the Tokyo brand, activating towns in Tokyo and stimulating consumption, and attracting more tourists to Tokyo. The Creative Tokyo Project is set out as follows:
Now is the time when Japan should build a new society through the combined power of its industries, economy and culture. With a clear understanding of our country’s current situation in mind, we support and foster the development diversity of our creative industries. We hope to ultimately transform Tokyo into the most prominent creative hub in Asia. Furthermore, we would like to propose using the power of creativity to invigorate Japan, with the ultimate aim of enhancing the image of our
country.Therefore, the relevant government offices, local authorities and leaders in the private sector will all collaborate to intensify the exchange between people and information, and to reform institutional issues. The following tasks will be undertaken:
‘Efforts for Realizing Creative Tokyo’
1. With the support of Tokyo districts, Japanese creativity will be conveyed across both internationally and domestically. Through this, we will seek to bring in talented human resources, relevant information and funds from all around the world. We will also aim to establish Tokyo as a leading creative hub.
2. We plan to promote strengthened cooperation between companies and take them beyond the classification of ‘industries’, creating businesses which are related to Japanese culture and lifestyle. Through this, we will boost Japan’s domestic consumption and support the foreign operations of our national companies.
3. We will invite creative world figures into Japan. We will aim to work together and create opportunities so that young talents can improve themselves and flourish in a variety of cultures. Through these efforts, we will seek to nurture human resources and corporations in ways that will be effective worldwide.
4. In cooperation with international and domestic creative cities, we will aim to secure opportunities for global business through the exchange of human resources and relevant information, and through the operation of joint projects.
5. With the support of Tokyo districts, we will develop environments free from any unnecessary restrictions so that we can welcome new values and facilitate creative activities. Through this, we hope to construct a new future for Japan.
