near news vol.66 eng

Vol. 66

NEARNews

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional

Governments

New Year Greetings NEAR Secretary General I Chair of NEAR and Governor of Irkutsk Region

NEAR This Month NEAR Activities I Secretariat News I NEAR Member News I Schedule of NEAR Member

The 3rd Youth Essay Contest’s Grand Prize Work

Feature Report - NEAR International Forum 2015 - Contribution by a Public Official Seconded from Hunan Province, China : Essay on Korean Life by Deng Wei

One Northeast Asia Region, One Community NEAR2016. 1-2

Sunsets at Lake Shinji, Shimane Prefecture, Japan by Matsuo Shuichiro, Shimane Prefecture

8 10 17

NEAR News

Winter Scenery, Republic of Sakha, Russia

8 10 17Vol. 66

“NEAR News” was launched in 2005 to serve as a messenger between NEAR member regions and promote sharing of information. The bi-monthly magazine is published and distributed to NEAR members and other relevant organizations free of charge, containing information on NEAR activities, news from members, international issues, contributions and announcements (also available free at http://www.neargov.org). You can take part in creating NEAR News anytime by contributing articles and creative ideas (Contact the NEAR Secretariat).

NEAR is...a representative regional diplomacy cooperation and international organization by 78 regional governments (73 member regions and 5 observers) in 6 Northeast Asian countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Russia, North Korea, and Mongolia.Since the adoption of the NEAR Charter based on mutual prosperity, NEAR has carried out extensive exchange and cooperation projects in various fields ranging from economy and humanities exchange, education & cultural exchange, environment, disaster prevention, cross-border cooperation, science & technology, ocean & fisheries, tourism, mineral resources development & coordination, energy & climate change, women & children, bio-medical industry to agriculture.Partnering with and promoting joint projects by strengthening the exchange with international organizations such as AER (The Assembly of European Regions), the largest independent network of regional authorities in Europe, and R-20 (Regions of Climate Action), NEAR takes the lead in building an international cooperative network communicating with the world beyond Northeast Asia.

NEAR is open to all. Any local government located in the Northeast Asian region sharing the founding purpose of NEAR can join us through the NEAR General Assembly.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional

Governments

New Year Greetings Beginning a promising new year

New Year Greetings

Beginning a promising new year

Greeting the year of the Monkey 2016, I wish all member regions of the Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments (NEAR) good luck.

Appointed as NEAR Secretary General in April, 2015, many efforts have been made to build a platform for practical exchange among member regions by hosting six Sub-Committee meetings, such as Economy and Humanities Exchange, Agriculture, Disaster Prevention, Educational and Cultural Exchange, Environment, and Ocean and Fisheries along with the NEAR International Forum, and the 10th Working Committee.

Since its founding in 1996, the Northeast Asia Regional Governments has grown up to have 73 member regions with 446 million people. NEAR has been working hard to pursue co-development and prosperity in Northeast Asia and contribute to world peace through exchange and cooperation among regional governments in area of economy, culture, environment, and disaster prevention. Moreover, NEAR plays a role as a bridge to enhance understanding and friendship among member regions and has contributed to development and peace in Northeast Asia.

To become the hub of exchange and cooperation in the world, co-cooperation is required for Northeast Asia accepting diversity in society, economy, and culture. Most historians already say that the pillars of development leading the world have moved to Northeast Asia and Northeast Asia will lead the 21st century.

We have high development potentials compared to other regions. Northeast Asia is in possession of abundant mineral resources and technology, as well as coal, natural gas, and oil, accounting for 30% of the global GDP, and its status has grown. It is expected that if member regions deepen exchange and cooperation by pulling their wisdom with confidence, they will contribute to the development of nation and human beings as ‘a true partner’.

In particular, the year of 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of NEAR’s founding. For this reason, the NEAR Secretariat will work hard to build practical exchange and cooperation among member regional governments and to establish Northeast Asia’s identity as a regional community. Moreover, we will do our best to create a valuable and substantial platform for exchange and cooperation by promoting and supporting specific and practical cooperative projects along with extending membership.

Also, the 11th General Assembly is scheduled to be held at Irkutsk Region, Russia. The General Assembly will be a place for heads of member regions to discuss a variety of pending issues such as plan for the development and membership fee introduction as well as exchange and cooperation in Northeast Asia. I request your continuous interest and participation.

In closing, I wish you and your family health and good luck in 2016.

Happy New Year.

Jun Jae WonNEAR Secretary General

NEAR NEWS Vol. 664

Irkutsk Region, Russia - Chair Region

Irkutsk Region, Russia-Chair Region

Respectful member regions of the Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments!

Honorable NEAR NEWS readers!

On behalf of all the residents in Irkutsk and as a chair of NEAR, I wish you a happy new year filled with success and prosperity in 2016.

Looking back on last year, the year 2015 saw many important events which have strengthen mutual cooperation among member regions. In particular, Irkutsk Region held a variety of remarkable events, including the 10th NEAR Working Committee in 2015. Moreover, the 11th NEAR General Assembly is scheduled to be held in Irkutsk.

As a founding member of NEAR in 1996, Irkutsk has been trying to build partnership for new economy and trade and friendly relations with overseas countries while promoting existing friendly relations.

The year of 2016 is an important year to greet the 20th anniversary of NEAR’s founding. I expect the NEAR General Assembly celebrating the 20th anniversary of its founding will be a milestone to promote and expand relations among NEAR members.

I would like to express my gratitude to all the people who have been making great efforts to expand regional cooperation in Northeast Asia and encourage NEAR. Lastly, Happy New Year and I wish NEAR and member regions good luck in 2015.

I will see you again in Irkutsk in the New Year!

Levchenko SergeyChair of NEAR and Governor of

Irkutsk Region

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments 5

The 12th Sub-Committee on Environment held

The 12th Sub-Committee on Environment was held on November 11~12, 2015 at Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, Japan. The meeting was attended by more than 40 people of six regions from four countries, including Korea, China, Japan, and Russia and they discussed the plan to promote environmental cooperation. In addition to selecting next coordinating region, member regions coordinated their opinions on suggestions of individual projects regarding environment and activity plans of the Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee on Environment has been held every year since 1999. Since 2005, the Sub-Committee has been held every other year and this year marks the 12th anniversary. The NEAR Secretariat was in attendance this year after participating in the 11th meeting and stated that the NEAR Secretariat will try to contribute to addressing Northeast Asia’s and global environmental issues by sharing information related to environmental preservation system.

NEAR International Forum held

The NEAR International Forum 2015 was held on November 19, 2015 at Millennium Seoul Hilton, Seoul, South Korea, co-hosted by the NEAR Secretariat and Institute of Global Affairs, Kyung Hee University. The Forum, themed “Disaster and Governance in Northeast Asia” was prepared to share information related to disaster prevention and action to deal with disasters among member regions and strengthen mutual cooperation.

The forum was attended by more than 200 people, including staff in charge of disaster prevention, scholars, and staff from international organizations along with representatives from 25 member regions across five countries such as China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Russia. They had in-depth discussion for disasters like earthquake, transboundary environmental problem, desertification, and diseases each country of Northeast Asia is experiencing and joint reactions to address these issues.

The NEAR International Forum marking the 7th anniversary has been held every year or every other year since 2007 to resolve all issues related to Northeast Asian regions and prepare joint reactions at the regional government’s level.

For more details, please refer to the feature report.

The Results of the 3rd NEAR Youth Essay Contest and its Awards Ceremony for Excellence Prize

The Youth Essay Contest launched in 2013 has been held every year to raise young people’s interest in politics, society, economy, and culture in Northeast Asia and establish NEAR’s identity. More students have been participating in the contest since the first contest.

This year, with the theme of ‘Cultural Exchange’ and ‘Environmental Issues,’ a total of 56 essays from five countries were submitted. The grand prize was given to Sunagozaka Shodai of Toyama Prefectural Daimon Senior High School, Japan. Excellence prizes were given to each country’s student: Wang Ruoyu of Shandong Dongying Experimental Middle School, China; Soda Hazuki of Shimane Prefectural Izumo High School, Japan; Eom Yun-ju

of Gyeongju Women High School, South Korea; Basankhuu Nominerdene of 2nd School in Uvs Province, Mongolia; Arefyeva Arina of Khabarovsk Territory School No.10, Russia.

The 3rd NEAR Youth Essay Contest Awards Ceremony was held on December 17 in the Secretary General’s office at the NEAR Secretariat. Eom Yun-ju, student of Gyeongju Women High School was awarded and award certificates and prizes will be given to overseas winners.

The excellence essay written by Shodai Sunagozaka of Toyama Prefecture will be published in this month’s NEAR News. The Secretariat plans to make the Essay Contest more substantial by promoting the contest to member regions in 2016.

Announcement of NEAR Event Schedule 2016

- NEAR Youth Exchange Camp The NEAR Secretariat plans to conduct the NEAR Youth (for undergraduate

students) Exchange Camp aimed at university students of member regions who will lead the future during summer vacation in celebrating the 20th anniversary of NEAR’s founding. The camp is expected to become a project to give students chances to share their cultures through a variety of programs such as Oulim Hanmadang, experience of member regions’ history and culture and to give them global mindset.

NEAR ActivitiesNEAR This Month

NEAR Activities

NEAR NEWS Vol. 666

NEAR Activities / Secretariat News

- The 11th NEAR General AssemblyThe 11th NEAR General Assembly is to be held in September for four days

and three nights at Irkutsk Region, Russia. The General Assembly is organized with an event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of NEAR’s founding, discussions on pending issues such as introduction of membership fee system and revision of Charter, report on the Secretariat and Sub-Committee activities, and selection of next chair region (the region where the 12th General Assembly is to be held in 2018.)

- The Sub-Committees to be held The 14th Sub-Committee on Disaster Prevention (Hyogo Prefecture,

Japan/ March 7~10)The 14th Sub-Committee on Disaster-Prevention is to be held on March

7~10 at Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. This year, the Sub-Committee will include explanation on disaster prevention measures and lesson, opinion exchange with staff of the Asia Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) and the International Recovery Platform (IRP). Also, Hyogo Prefectural Emergency Management will give an experience program to residents in Prefecture themed ‘Enhancement of Regional Disaster Prevention.’ Detailed schedule is like below.

Date Venue Schedule March 7 (Mon) Kobe City Arrival at Hyogo Prefecture

19:00~20:30 Welcome Party

March 8 (Tue) Kobe City

9:50 Visit to Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution 12:40 ‘Disaster Prevention Measures and Lesson’Opinion Exchange with Staff of International Disaster Prevention Organizations

March 9 (Wed)

Miki City Kobe City

10:30 Visit to Hyogo Prefectural Emergency Management and Experience of Earthquake 14:30 Visit to Disaster Risk Management Center in Kobe

March 10 (Thu) Kobe City Departure

- The 16th Sub-Committee on Educational and Cultural Exchange (August)

The 16th Sub-Committee on Educational and Cultural Exchange is to be held in August. The Sub-Committee has been held in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, a coordinating region to promote mutual understanding and friendly exchange among each region. The topic is different every year and the Sub-Committee will include opinion exchange, home-stay, and experience of traditional culture.

NEAR Received Northeast Asia International Cooperation Prize

Northeast Asia International Cooperation Prize was given to NEAR Secretary General. Lee Seung-ryul, President of the Northeast Asian Community Studies Institute selected NEAR for an award winner of the 8th Northeast Asia International Cooperation Prize and the ceremony was held at the Press Center, Seoul on November 10 (Tue).

The Northeast Asian Community Studies Institute chose NEAR as an award winner in that NEAR has contributed to leading co-prosperity in Northeast Asian regions by working together with regional governments and creating peaceful environment in the regions as a representative regional diplomatic cooperative organization in Northeast Asia.

Secretary General Jun representing NEAR said that “being awarded the prize would be a milestone for NEAR to create ‘one Northeast Asian community’ complying with NEAR’s founding purpose “Peace and co-prosperity in Northeast Asia.”

NEAR Secretary General Met with Vice-chairman of Legislative Assembly of Irkutsk Region, Russia

NEAR Secretary General Jun invited Kuzma Aldarov, Vice-chairman of Legislative Assembly of Irkutsk Region to the banquet and expressed his gratitude for Irkutsk’s (Chair region of NEAR) support for and interest in NEAR. Meanwhile, he shared opinions on how to promote NEAR, including hosting the General Assembly celebrating the 20th anniversary of its founding in 2016.

Secretariat News


Secretariat News

On the banquet, Jang Kyung-sik, Vice-chairman of Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Council was in attendance and they discussed the plan to cooperate, including a project to celebrate the 20th anniversary of establishing a sisterhood relation between Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Irkutsk Region in 2016.

NEAR Secretariat Held a Meeting with Japanese Member Regions

○ Date: November 12 (Thu) 10:00 ~ 12:00 ○ Venue: 3rd Floor of Toyama Prefectural Office ○ Participated by: 10 people ∙ NEAR Secretariat: 3 people including Park Chang-ho, Director of the

Planning and General Affairs Division ∙ Toyama Prefecture: 4 people including Dakeguma Toshihiko, Director

of International Exchange Division ∙ Shimane Prefecture: 2 people including Sakamoto Itaru, Director of

Culture and International exchange Division ∙ Hyogo Prefecture: Shiomi Akihiro (Staff of International Exchange

Division) ○ Agenda ∙ NEAR’s Problem and Improvements ∙ Proposal to revise NEAR Charter ∙ Proposal to improve Sub-Committees ∙ Regulation on Membership Fee System

NEAR Secretariat Shared Compassion with Neighbors

10 staff of the NEAR Secretariat, including Secretary General Jun Jae-won visited a senior center, single parent families, and senior citizens living alone during the year-end holidays.

The staff visited three families in difficulty in Gigye Myeon, Pohang City on December 10 and delivered 800 pieces of briquette. Also, they visited one senior center and delivered gifts. Secretary General Jun Jae-won expressed his opinion that ‘NEAR would like to share compassion with neighbors in difficulty during the year-end holidays, and will prepare more chances to become closer to the underprivileged.ʼ

NEAR NEWS Vol. 668

NEAR Member News

China-Hunan Province

The 8th China Dongting Lake International Bird-Watching Festival held

The 8th China Dongting Lake International Bird-Watching Festival was held on December 11~13 at Yueyang City, Hunan Province. Yueyang City has held the China Dongting Lake International Bird-Watching Festival consecutively for seven years since 2002 and got an honor “China’s Eco City recommended to the world by Foreign Embassies & Consulates in China.ˮ

Co-hosted by Chinese Wildlife Conservation Association, Hunan Provincial Administrative Bureau for Forest, and the People’s Government of Yueyang, the 8th China Dongting Lake International Bird-Watching Festival was attended by foreign ambassadors in China, international experts, media, and representatives from Bird Association and Nature Preservation Institute. Moreover, they published science magazines to more than 50,000 homes. More than a million viewers watched migratory birds flying over the Dongting Lake in winter through remote sensing system and relay broadcasting.

Japan-Niigata Prefecture Visiting Program Conducted with High School

Students of Khuvsgul Province, Mongolia

Niigata Prefecture conducted a visiting program between high school students of Khuvsgul Province, Mongolia and Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

China-Heilongjiang Province

The 32nd Heilongjiang Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival

The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival established in 1985 is a snow-ice festival held annually from January 5 and lasts for over one month. In the 32nd Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival scheduled on January 5, 2016, more than 100 events are to be held under the five topics, including ice tourism, ice culture, ice fashion, ice economy and trade, and ice sports.

The main contents of the festival include theme parks constructed on the Songhua River, namely Harbin Ice and Snow World, Taiyangdao Ice Sculptures Expo, and Ice Lantern Festival in Zhaolin Park. Moreover, there are a variety of events, such as snow and sculpture contest, winter sports such as swimming, ski, and sledging, film festival, concert, and ice wedding which tourists can participate in.

Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival started as a regional festival. However, it became the largest ice and snow festival in the world, visited by more than millions of people every year. Along with Japan’s Sapporo Snow Festival, Canada’s Quebec City Winter Carnival, and Norway’s Ski Festival. The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival is listed as the top 4 ice and snow festivals in the world.

NEAR Member News


NEAR Member News

the opening of Hokuriku Shinkansen’ are scheduled to be held. Your participation would be highly appreciated.

South Korea -Gyeongsangbuk-do Province

Youngyang County, Gyeongbuk, designated as the First ‘International Dark-Sky Park’

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has named Yeongyang Firefly Eco Park located in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province as an ‘International Dark Sky Park (IDS Park),’ the first such designation in Asia.

The designation of the International Dark-Sky Park is Youngyang County’s effort to prevent ecological system from artificial light pollution and preserve precious night sky.

Upon this opportunity to designate Youngyang County as the International Dark-Sky Park, Youngyang County plans to establish a new reception center of the park, put in a signboard, and set a plan to manage the lightings.

Moreover, Youngyang will make a variety of programs with many themes such as ‘Star Counting Nights’ and ‘Star Trip’ conforming to the International Dark-Sky Association and internationally approved standard.

At the same time, Youngyang County will build a network for a close mutual cooperation with universities, research centers, astronomy clubs, and branch offices of International Dark-Sky Association. With a program to prevent night sky from lowering its quality, the County will submit annual report on park management to the International Dark-Sky Association every October.

In accordance with the designation of International Dark-Sky Park, Youngyang County is expected to raise its status as ‘Clean Youngyang’ creating a new type of tour and as a ‘special zone for Firefly Eco Park’ by changing ‘day-focusing tour to night-focusing tour.’ Also, with promoting exchange with 28 global cities designated as International Dark-Sky Park, Youngyang County will become an international eco city.

South Korea-Gangwon-do Province

Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mountain Trout) Ice Festival held, the Best Winter Festival

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mountain Trout) Ice Festival takes place at Hwacheon County in Gangwon-do, the best place in winter for snow and ice.

8 students of Niigata Prefecture visited Khuvsgul Province, Mongolia from August 18 to 24. They met Governor of Khuvsgul Province, visited schools, and Nomad’s Settlement. Also, they participated in the camp with Mongolian students and experienced the Ger (traditional Mongolian home). The students were touched by Mongolian’s warm heart while experiencing nature which can’t be seen in Niigata. In Ulaanbaatar City, they could be able to experience global society by visiting companies selling ‘Niigata rice’ invested by companies of Niigata Prefecture.

On the contrary, 7 students who participated in the same program in Khuvsgul Province visited Niigata Prefecture on October 26~30. They played out on the seashore, visited an aquarium, and experienced high school classes. Lastly, they built strong friendly relations through home-stay program. The students are expected to play a role to bridge Mongolia with Japan in the future.

Japan-Ishikawa Prefecture

The Hokuriku Shinkansen Opened in Kanazawa, Japan

’Electric Light Symphony’ held at Kanazawa Station

The Hokuriku Shinkansen that connects Tokyo and Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture was opened on March 14, 2015. This route will connect Tokyo and Kanazawa City in about 2 hours and 28 minutes. Since the Hokuriku Shinkansen was opened, many travelers, including Japanese and foreigners are visiting Kanazawa.

In particular, the number of travelers visiting ‘Kenrokuen,’ a representative tourist site in Ishikawa has increased more than 1.4 times and visiting Kanazawa Park increased more than 1.8 times from the year 2014. Also, the number of visitors for main hot spring spots has increased more than 1.2 times. All regions in Ishikawa Prefecture are full of tourists.

To develop these effects arising from the opening of the Shinkansen, Toyama Prefecture, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Fukui Prefecture (three Hokuriku regions) have conducted ‘Hokuriku Destination Campaign (Hokuriku DC)’, a large tour campaign in partnership with JR (Japan Railways) from October to December. On October 16, a Chamber Orchestra called ʻOrchestra Ensemble kanazawa’ held a classical concert, themed ‘Electric Light Symphony.’ After Hokuriku DC ends, ‘Japanese Beauty Hokuriku Campaign’ in winter and ‘Campaign to celebrate 1st anniversary of

NEAR NEWS Vol. 6610

Russia-Kamchatka Territory The Week of Culture and Tourism in Kamchatka

- Ecotourism and International Forum

The date of September 2~11, 2016 has been designated as the Week of Culture and Tourism in Kamchatka Territory and a variety of events are scheduled to be held.

The program includes Ecotourism and International Forum and the forum will be a platform to discuss current issues and potentils for development of ecotourism and practical solutions. A festival titled ‘Let’s Preserve Salmons,’ international craft festival, native art festival, and music festival are to be provided to participants as accompanied events.

Please refer to www.visitkamchatka.ru or contact +7 (4152) 41-23-55 for more details.

In the festival scheduled from January 9 to 31, 2016, a variety of programs are available, including experience of Sancheoneo, snow/ice experience, cultural experience, and accompanied events. The most interesting program is Sancheoneo ice fishing. As Hwacheon has a depth of 2 meters and 12,000 holes for fishing are already drilled on the ice, people can find Sancheoneo swimming on the river bed easily. During the festival, a ton or two tons of fresh Sancheoneo is put in Hwacheon, anyone can catch one or two fishes.

Also, ‘bare-handed fishing’ has become an interesting event to try to catch quickly moving sancheoneo which is 10 meters in diameter using their bare hands. The sancheoneo caught by bare-hand is can be grilled with salt and eaten as raw fish. The taste of sancheoneo is good as sancheoneo is considered precious in Northeast Asia such as South Korea, China, and Japan.

Meanwhile, ‘Sancheoneo Ice Festival’ has been held every year participated by more than a million people with the first festival in 2003 starting and has become a thrilling and fun festival every year.

Mongolia-Govisumber Province

‘Borjigon’ Traditional Performing Art Team of Govisumber Province Participated in ‘The 14th

Asia Arts Festival in Quanzhou, China’‘Borjigon’ a traditional performing art team of Govisumber Province

participated in “The 14th Asia Arts Festival” held on November 4~12, 2015, in Quanzhou, China. At the festival, 450 performers came from more than 20 Asian countries, including Singapore, India, Laos, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Philippines, Thailand, and Mongolia.

13 members, including a leader of the traditional performing art team from Govisumber Province representing Mongolia attended the festival held every two years. Before its opening ceremony, the members participated in the tree planting ceremony at ‘Hester Art Park’ park at Quanzhou City on November 8. Moreover, they showed Mongolian traditional songs and dances at the opening ceremony held at the ʻHaixia’ stadium. The members shared their opinions regarding performance with a performing art team of Indonesia after its closing ceremony on November 12 and decided to cooperate for joint performance.

NEAR Member News


Schedule of NEAR Member

January, February2016. 1. 1. ~ 2. 28

Schedule of NEAR Member

Region Event When Where Contact

Gangwon-do Province, South Korea

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival 2016

January 9~31

Hwacheon-cheon, Hwacheon County and

three towns, Gangwon-do Province

Festival Organizing Committee(T)1688-3005

Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

Hyogo Safety Day1.17 Hyogo Memorial Walk 2016,1.17 Place for Gathering and Exchange, Disaster Prevention Training

January 17

Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Promotion Supporting Division of Hyogo Prefecture (T)+81-78-362-9984(F)+81-78-362-4459


International Disaster Reduction Forum（DRA Forum 2016）

January 20

PORTOPIA, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture ,

Disaster Prevention Division of Hyogo Prefecture (T)+81-78-362-9870(F)+81-78-362-9914


International Recovery Forum 2016

January 26

Hotel Okura Kobe, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Disaster Prevention Division of Hyogo Prefecture (T)+81-78-362-9870(F)+81-78-362-9914

Niigata Prefecture, Japan

Northeast Asia International Conferencefor Economic Development

January 28~29

Niigata City ERINATEL：+81-25-290-5545FAX：+81-25-249-7550

Krasnoyarsk Territory, Russia

Winter F.R.E.S.H February Krasnoyarsk City

Department of Cultural Affairs, Krasnoyarsk Territory TEL : +7 (391) 249-34-84E-mail : [email protected] [email protected]

Fukui Prefecture, Japan Asia Conference to Develop Human Resources in Atomic Power

February 2~3

International Exchange Center of Fukui Prefecture

Department of Comprehensive Policy, Fukui Prefecture (T)+81-776-20-0230

Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

The Earth Hall of Fame KyotoAward Ceremony

February 13

Kyoto CitySecretariat of the Earth Hall of Fame Kyoto T: +81-75-414-4830

Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

The Earth Forum KYOTO,International Symposium

February 13

Kyoto City Secretariat of the Earth Forum KYOTOT: +81-75-414-4830

Krasnoyarsk Territory,Russia

The 13th Economic Forum in Krasnoyarsk

February 18~20

Krasnoyarsk City

Government of the Russian Federation,Department of Economic Development, Investment Policy, and International Relations, Krasnoyarsk Territory TEL : +7 (391) 249-34-84E-mail : [email protected],[email protected]

Kamchatka Territory, Russia

THE BERINGIA, Kamchatka’s Traditional Dog Sled Race

February 27

Yelizovski District

Department of Sports and Youth Policy, Kamchatka Territory TEL : +7-4152- [email protected]

NEAR NEWS Vol. 6612

Do you like your own culture? Today in the world there are many people with different languages, customs, ways of living and so on. Since the world is becoming more global and smaller as we work and interact with many different countries and regions, we cannot focus only on the cultural differences and see them as negative. How can we promote mutual understanding and respect in this world? I think that the keywords are “KNOW, UNDERSTAND, and ACCEPT.”

There used to be unfair differentiation in the old days. Discrimination due to color would be heard to happen in the West. I live in Japan and we seem not to have an issue about race, but in the past, the ethnic group the Ainu, living in Hokkaido, in the northern part of Japan, were discriminated and were compelled to change their . Many Japanese people enforced the laws from the government strictly to the Ainu because of the ridiculous reason that they thought the Ainu were unintelligent and uncivilized. For instance, they were forced to speak Japanese instead of their native language and even change their names! If I were faced with this situation, I could not stand it. How can I imagine that I could not eat rice every day or I could not enjoy spending time with my family and relatives in the Bon holidays in summer? Figuratively speaking, it is like taking water from a human.

Now racial discrimination in Western countries and cruel treatment toward the Ainu have been reformed from the past ways. However, I think there are still a lot of difficulties for us to overcome in international relations. Do we know a lot about Asian countries? Do people in Asia understand the Japanese way of thinking? Do we accept them and do they accept us? How can we get to know each other better? My experience abroad has given me a good chance to consider and find the answers to these problems.

I had the experience to visit a school in the United States, which provided me with a wonderful opportunity to improve my English ability and deepen my understanding of the Japanese language and Japanese culture. There I met a boy who was learning Japanese at school. He always tried to speak to me in Japanese and we always talked about Japanese culture, such as Manga and the Doll Festival. He said that he was very interested in Japanese popular culture and he was looking forward to going to Japan on a school trip. I did not really know why, but those simple daily conversations made me proud of my home country and come to like not only Japan but also America. During my stay, I went to church with my host family on Sunday. I was very surprised to see many people including young children visit church because in Japan religion is

not deeply rooted in people’s lives, especially for our generation. This big difference made me feel that I wanted to understand American people more and more. From this experience, I have realized that culture can bear an important part of international exchange and promote peace.

As for me, I like Korean group Gangnam Style very much. I listen to their songs and watch their videos in my free time. Korean Kimchi pickles are often served at my house and all the family members like it. I want to try many different kimchis. Many sumo wrestlers from Mongolia come to Japan and their energetic way of playing sumo excites me. I want to go to Mongolia and watch Mongolian wrestling someday. The pictures of the Great Wall of China on my textbook look so magnificent. All of these things are attractive to me. I want to discuss them with people in Asia and know more about them. I want to listen to what people in Asian countries think about Japan and Japanese culture, too.

Now I have several suggestions as a high school student for you. First, let’s pay attention to the situations of Asian countries. We can easily get a lot of information online. Internet enables us to be linked to the world. Watch world TV news and read newspapers every morning. Next, let’s take part in international events. Even in Toyama, the countryside of Japan surrounded by the beauties of nature, there are many international events that are open to everyone. Why don’t we participate in the events, communicate with people from different countries, and get their opinions about Japan? They will tell us how precious our culture is and how different it is from theirs. I am sure that you will come to love and be interested in your own background. You will also find out that it is meaningless to discriminate and force others to be the same as us. I strongly believe that these are small but first steps to deepen friendship and cooperation between Japan and Asian countries in the future. The keywords are

“KNOW, UNDERSTAND, and ACCEPT.”

Youth EssayThe 3rd Youth Essay Contest’s Grand Prize Work

To KNOW, UNDERSTAND, and ACCEPT

Shodai Sunagozaka

Daimon Senior High School, Toyama Prefecture


NEAR International Forum 2015

The NEAR International Forum 2015 was held on November 18~20, 2015 at Millennium Seoul Hilton, Seoul, attended by more than 200 people, including 38 representatives of 25 member regions from five countries such as Korea, China, Japan, Mongolia, and Russia. This year, the forum, themed

‘Disaster and Governance in Northeast Asia’ was prepared to discuss joint action and cooperation plan of regional governments in Northeast Asia based on disaster cases and experiences to deal with disasters.

Feature Report


NEAR NEWS Vol. 6614

Ramakrishna, Head, ENEA Office, UNESCAP continued in the opening session.

<Presentation and Discussion>

This year’s forum was divided into three sessions: Disaster and Prevention (first session), Economy and Transboundary Environmental Risk (second session), and Disaster and Governance (third session).

In the first session, Lee Dong-kyu, Professor of Dong-A University, South Korea stressed that a cooperative network is required to build governance system to address disaster and damage in Northeast Asia. Koji Matsubara, Vice-head of Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution, Japan made a presentation to make an effort to reduce disasters and damages in Northeast Asia by sharing collected information regarding disaster prevention with other member regions based on the lesson learnt from Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.

In the second session, Yihang Jiang, former UNDP/GEF Project Manager, China emphasized each nation’s active participation by setting a practical goal to address transboudary ocean problems. Meanwhile, Altanbagana Myagmarsuren, Director, Department of Environmental Policy Study at National Development Institute of Mongolia mentioned ‘Zud disaster.’ He said that to address this phenomenon, national level’s measures should be prepared.

In the third session, Baklanov, Head of Pacific Geographical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia stated that an institutional strategy should be provided to minimize the damage caused by continued disasters in Northeast Asia. Kim Sung-chul, Professor of Seoul National University, South Korea emphasized the importance of cooperation among three nations-South Korea-China-Japan in environment and disaster management even though it is difficult to address disasters as governance for disaster cooperation hasn’t been prepared.

The forum became a practical platform for speakers, scholars, and attendees to share knowledge and experiences related to disaster safety with the themes in which participants had interests.

<Opening Session>

The NEAR International Forum 2015 was successfully held with attendance of many distinguished speakers. Beginning with opening remarks by NEAR Secretary General Jun Jae-won; welcoming remarks by Alexandr Timonin, Russian Ambassador to Korea; congratulatory remarks by Jung Byung-yoon, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province; keynote speech by Ra Jong-yil, Professor of Hanyang University; and special speech by Kilaparti



<Cultural Visit>

Participants visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Folk Museum of Korea, and Namsangol Hanok Village and experienced Korean traditional culture.


NEAR NEWS Vol. 6616

Contribution by a Public Official Seconded from Hunan Province, China

The Korean wave swept over the Asian countries, including China in the 1990s. The Korean wave has become a sensation as Korean public culture such as K-Pop, soap opera, and fashion spread throughout all regions in China. Korean wave is a kind of cultural phenomenon and has influenced young people’s idea and life causing conflict and exchange between Korean and Chinese culture. I was one of them experiencing Korean wave.

From ‘Star in My Heart’ to ‘Boys over Flowers,’ I was deeply interested in the Korean soap operas and came to understand Korean culture. Also, I have become interested in Korea as I started to experience Korean culture. Because my understanding of Korea through soap dramas, movies and entertainment shows is limited, I decided to learn Korean language.

I started to learn Korean language as a hobby for the first time. But, I had studied consistently. As a result, I got the 6th grade at the Korean Language Proficiency Test.

Some unexpected things came up to me. I had a chance to work in Korea for 1 year as I changed my position into Foreign Affairs Office. My “Korean dream” came true and all the things were considered my fate.

There is a Chinese saying “念念不忘，必有回响” (If you keep in mind constantly, You will definitely get answer). My experience is consistent with this saying.

When I first came to Korea, I went through some difficulty because of the limits of my language and insufficient ability to adapt. But, the colleagues of the NEAR Secretariat gave me a warm helping hand. Secretary General Jun also cared for me and talked with me in Chinese. So, all the trouble in my language disappeared. Also, Ms. Lee Hye-jung, my best partner and Chinese expert gave me a soup pot for a gift so that the trouble in food also disappeared.

On my birthday, all staff of the NEAR Secretariat collected money and bought a cake and gift for me. I had an unforgettable birthday party. Looking

Contribution by a Public Official Seconded from Hunan Province, ChinaEssay on Korean Life , Deng Wei 念念不忘，必有回响 (If You keep in mind constantly, You will definitely get answer.)



back upon past, I was deeply touched by their heart. Korea’s climate and humanity have made me grow up and Korean history and culture had an important effect on me.

With a goal, “to travel a thousand miles,” I would like to travel all over Korea, feel Korea, and understand Korea.

Compared to Chinese culture where I was born and grew up, Korean culture is “other culture” and I am ‘the other person’ in culture for Korea. While experiencing and observing Korea through the eyes of ‘the other person,’ I realized that even though Korean culture and Chinese culture have the same root, it is different from each other. So, we feel familiar for Korean culture and we feel a sense of distance at the same time.

While traveling and experiencing, I became aware of the phrase ‘as culture is different and various from each other, it is possible to exchange.’ By visiting several museums such as Cheonan Independence Hall of Korea, Korean History Museum, and Saemaul Movement Memorial Hall, I could be able to get a new perspective enough to understand Korean history, particularly, modern history. Moreover, visit to Korean old palaces in Seoul, Palace Museum, Anapji and Cheonmachong in Gyeongju and Pungnammun Gate and Gyeonggijeon in Jeonju along with Mungyeong, Joryeong made me feel Korean a very rich history.

I paid my respects to generosity of Buddism through Haeinsa, Seokguram Grotto, and Bulguksa. Also, I was able to feel peaceful by participating in worship and performance at the Global Mission Church and Poongsunghan Church.

By visiting the best universities, including Yonsei University, Kyunghee University, Ewha Womans University, and Hongik University, I could experience unusual presence of top universities in Korea. My experience to visit Yangdong Village in Gyeongju, Hanok Village in Jeonju, and Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul gave me the chance to know Korean traditional lifestyle.

I was fascinated by beautiful natural scenery of Busan and Jeju Island and impressed with harmony of city, man, and nature in Korea. I value Korean toilet culture, awareness of environmental protection, tradition to respect elderly people and help weak people, and company culture very highly.

Chinese well-known scholar Fei Xiaotong gave me an answer about how to handle cultural relations by saying that “staying beautiful, complementing other’s beauty, getting along with each other will make big society (各美其美，美人之美，美美与共，天下大同).” In the process of learning and accepting Korean culture, I became more generous and have broader aspects.

Traveling around Korea made me feel generous and working at the NEAR Secretariat upgraded me. NEAR, an international organization is working hard to extend exchange and cooperation among 73

NEAR NEWS Vol. 6618

member regions of six countries in Northeast Asia. I could be able to enhance my way of thinking by analyzing problems with international perspective and by learning how to solve problems in negotiation and communication based on a platform ‘NEAR.’ In a family-like atmosphere, I have been working together with co-workers from Korea, Russia, Mongolia, and Japan in an intimate relation. I realized a Chinese idea

“If you develop yourself constantly, you can help others to enhance their value. Also, If you help others to succeed, you can realize your value too (成人达己，成己达人）”.

The person accompanying us is more important than where we go. I wish we make a beautiful future together in the New Year to mark the 20th anniversary of NEAR’s founding.



The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments3F Pohang Technopark, #394 Jigok-ro (#601 Jigok-dong), Namgu, Pohang City, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ROKT. +82-54-223-2318 F. +82-54-223-2309 E-mail [email protected] Website www.neargov.org

near news vol.66 eng

Documents