First 'Showcasing Japan to the World! Co-creation Forum' to be Held on June 1
The Japan Association of Mayors and the Yumeshima New Industry and Urban Creation Organization will hold the first 'Showcasing Japan to the World! Co-creation Forum' on June 1, 2026. The theme is 'UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) and the 21st-Century Creative Economy Strategy.'
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- 📰 Published: May 23, 2026 at 03:26
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## The First 'Showcasing Japan to the World! Co-creation Forum'
The Japan Association of Mayors, officially the 'Association of Mayors Creating Japan's Future Society through Regional Revitalization,' is a coalition of approximately 670 municipal leaders nationwide. It functions as a hub for inter-municipal, industry-government-academia, and international collaboration aimed at the overall development of Japan. During the era of the Expo Mayors Association, the organization hosted the 'LOCAL JAPAN Exhibition' at the Expo venue, promoting the charms of traditional crafts, food, music, wellness, and nature from across Japan to the world.
Globally, urban policies that use cultural and creative industries as engines for urban growth are becoming mainstream. A representative framework for this is the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). With 408 cities from 100 countries participating, the network promotes the creative industry, international joint projects, the attraction of young entrepreneurs, and cultural tourism strategies. Twelve Japanese municipalities are currently members.
In this context, we will hold the first 'Showcasing Japan to the World! Co-creation Forum,' co-hosted with the Yumeshima New Industry and Urban Creation Organization.
### Event Outline
- **Theme:** UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) and the '21st-Century Creative Economy Strategy'
- **Date & Time:** June 1, 2026 (Mon), 10:00–12:00 (Networking time: 12:00–12:20)
- **Organizers:** Yumeshima New Industry and Urban Creation Organization / Japan Association of Mayors
- **Format:** Hybrid (In-person and Online)
- **Venue:** Osaka University Nakanoshima Center, 7F 7C+D
- **Participation Fee:** Free
### Program
- **Opening Remarks:** Hirofumi Sawai, Chairman, Japan Association of Mayors / Mayor of Matsubara
- **Keynote Speech:** Masayuki Sasaki, Board Chair and President, Shizuoka University of Art and Culture
- **Lectures:** Hirofumi Sawai, Takaaki Sakai (Mayor of Tanbasasayama), Takami Nakahara (Deputy Mayor of Okayama)
- **Panel Discussion:** Featuring the speakers from Part 1
- **Closing Remarks:** Takako Igaki, Representative Director, Yumeshima New Industry and Urban Creation Organization
The Japan Association of Mayors, officially the 'Association of Mayors Creating Japan's Future Society through Regional Revitalization,' is a coalition of approximately 670 municipal leaders nationwide. It functions as a hub for inter-municipal, industry-government-academia, and international collaboration aimed at the overall development of Japan. During the era of the Expo Mayors Association, the organization hosted the 'LOCAL JAPAN Exhibition' at the Expo venue, promoting the charms of traditional crafts, food, music, wellness, and nature from across Japan to the world.
Globally, urban policies that use cultural and creative industries as engines for urban growth are becoming mainstream. A representative framework for this is the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). With 408 cities from 100 countries participating, the network promotes the creative industry, international joint projects, the attraction of young entrepreneurs, and cultural tourism strategies. Twelve Japanese municipalities are currently members.
In this context, we will hold the first 'Showcasing Japan to the World! Co-creation Forum,' co-hosted with the Yumeshima New Industry and Urban Creation Organization.
### Event Outline
- **Theme:** UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) and the '21st-Century Creative Economy Strategy'
- **Date & Time:** June 1, 2026 (Mon), 10:00–12:00 (Networking time: 12:00–12:20)
- **Organizers:** Yumeshima New Industry and Urban Creation Organization / Japan Association of Mayors
- **Format:** Hybrid (In-person and Online)
- **Venue:** Osaka University Nakanoshima Center, 7F 7C+D
- **Participation Fee:** Free
### Program
- **Opening Remarks:** Hirofumi Sawai, Chairman, Japan Association of Mayors / Mayor of Matsubara
- **Keynote Speech:** Masayuki Sasaki, Board Chair and President, Shizuoka University of Art and Culture
- **Lectures:** Hirofumi Sawai, Takaaki Sakai (Mayor of Tanbasasayama), Takami Nakahara (Deputy Mayor of Okayama)
- **Panel Discussion:** Featuring the speakers from Part 1
- **Closing Remarks:** Takako Igaki, Representative Director, Yumeshima New Industry and Urban Creation Organization
FAQ
Who can attend the forum?
Anyone interested in regional revitalization, including government officials, business representatives, and researchers, is welcome to register.
Where will the forum be held?
It is a hybrid event held at the Osaka University Nakanoshima Center and also streamed via Zoom.
What language will be used?
The event will be conducted in Japanese.