Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat

TC Activities The Opening Ceremony of 2016 East Asian Cultural Cities in Jeju, ROK 2016.04.08

On April 7, 2016, the TCS delegation attended the Opening Ceremony of 2016 East Asian Cultural Cities (EACC) held in Jeju, ROK which celebrates the starting of diverse cultural events and exchanges among Jeju (ROK), Nara (Japan), and Ningbo (China) throughout the year.

The Opening Ceremony of Jeju was held under the theme of ‘Opening, understanding and expansion’. It was attended by the representatives of the three countries’ Ministries of Culture including Mr. JEONG Gwan Ju, Vice Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the ROK as well as the representatives of the three cities including Governor WON Hee Ryong of Jeju, Vice Mayor TSUYAMA Yasuyuki of Nara, and Deputy Secretary General HUANG Zhiming of Ningbo.

The Ceremony demonstrated fascinating culture & arts of the three cities including ‘Snail Shell Girl’, a delicate traditional theatrical art performance of Ningbo, ‘Butaiko’, an energetic drum performance by the troupe Asuka of Nara, and ‘Dance of the Wind Flower’, Jeju’s performance featured on the vibrant life of women divers.

Following the Opening Ceremony, the TCS on April 8 had meetings with the representatives of the 2016 EACCs respectively to discuss the future collaboration between the TCS and 2016 EACCs to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchange among the three countries.

East Asian Cultural Cities is a trilateral initiative designed to practice the idea of ‘East Asian spirit, cultural exchange and convergence, and appreciation of other cultures’ with respect to cultural diversity among the three countries. Since 2014, three countries have designated one city in each as the EACC every year at the Trilateral Culture Ministers’ Meeting. The three designated cities not only carry out a variety of events concerning their modern and traditional culture & arts as well as wide ranging life-style but also engage in trilateral cultural exchanges that fosters mutual understanding and friendship among the three countries.

East Asian Cultural Cities from 2014 to 2016

2014: Yokohama of Japan, Quanzhou of China, Gwangju of the ROK

2015: Qingdao of China, Cheongju of the ROK, Niigata of Japan

2016: Jeju of the ROK, Nara of Japan, Ningbo of China