Held on June 1 (Mon)! "The 1st Forum: Bringing Japan's Charms to the World! Co-Creation Forum"
The Japan Mayors Association and the Dream Island New Industry and City Creation Organization will host "The 1st Bringing Japan's Charms to the World! Co-Creation Forum" on June 1, 2026, focusing on UCCN and 21st-century creative economy strategies.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 26, 2026 at 22:24
- 🔍 Collected: May 26, 2026 at 14:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 26, 2026 at 14:18 (16 min after Collected)
## The 1st Bringing Japan's Charms to the World! Co-Creation Forum
The Japan Mayors Association, an all-Japan alliance of approximately 670 municipal leaders, serves as a hub for inter-municipal, industry-academia-government, and international cooperation aimed at the development of Japan as a whole. During its era as the Expo Mayors Association, it hosted the "LOCAL JAPAN Exhibition" at the Expo venue, showcasing the traditions, food, music, health, and nature of various regions in Japan to both domestic and international audiences.
Globally, urban policies that use cultural and creative industries as engines for urban growth are becoming mainstream. The representative framework for this is the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). With 408 cities in 100 countries participating and collaborating, they promote the creative industry, international joint projects, attraction of young talent and entrepreneurs, and cultural tourism strategies, with 12 municipalities from Japan currently participating.
Accordingly, the first "Bringing Japan's Charms to the World! Co-Creation Forum," co-hosted with the Dream Island New Industry and City Creation Organization, will be held under the theme of "UCCN: A New Model of Creative Cities and International Urban Collaboration for '21st Century Creative Economy Strategies'."
### Overview
- **Theme**: UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) and "21st Century Creative Economy Strategies"
- **Date**: June 1, 2026 (Mon), 10:00–12:00 (Networking time: 12:00–12:20)
- **Organizers**: Dream Island New Industry and City Creation Organization / Japan Mayors Association
- **Supporters**: METI Kansai Bureau / Kansai Association of Corporate Executives / Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- **Format**: Real and Online Hybrid Format
- **Venue**: Osaka University Nakanoshima Center 7F 7C+D (4-3-53 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka)
- **Online Participation**: Zoom Webinar
- **Fee**: Free
### Program
**Opening Remarks**
- Hirofumi Sawai (Chairman, Japan Mayors Association / Mayor of Matsubara)
**Part 1: Presentations**
- **Keynote**: Masayuki Sasaki (Chairperson & President, Shizuoka University of Art and Culture)
- **Presentation**: Hirofumi Sawai (Chairman, Japan Mayors Association / Mayor of Matsubara)
- **Presentation**: Takaaki Sakai (Mayor of Tanbasasayama)
- **Presentation**: Takami Nakahara (Deputy Mayor of Okayama)
**Part 2: Panel Discussion**
- Panel discussion by Part 1 speakers
**Closing Remarks**
- Takako Igaki (Representative Director, Dream Island New Industry and City Creation Organization)
**Networking Time**
- Exchange of business cards and networking with speakers
### Inquiries
Dream Island New Industry and City Creation Organization Secretariat
- Website: [https://yumeshimakikou.org](https://yumeshimakikou.org)
- Phone: 06-6136-8803
- Email: info-yume@yumeshimakikou.com
The Japan Mayors Association, an all-Japan alliance of approximately 670 municipal leaders, serves as a hub for inter-municipal, industry-academia-government, and international cooperation aimed at the development of Japan as a whole. During its era as the Expo Mayors Association, it hosted the "LOCAL JAPAN Exhibition" at the Expo venue, showcasing the traditions, food, music, health, and nature of various regions in Japan to both domestic and international audiences.
Globally, urban policies that use cultural and creative industries as engines for urban growth are becoming mainstream. The representative framework for this is the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). With 408 cities in 100 countries participating and collaborating, they promote the creative industry, international joint projects, attraction of young talent and entrepreneurs, and cultural tourism strategies, with 12 municipalities from Japan currently participating.
Accordingly, the first "Bringing Japan's Charms to the World! Co-Creation Forum," co-hosted with the Dream Island New Industry and City Creation Organization, will be held under the theme of "UCCN: A New Model of Creative Cities and International Urban Collaboration for '21st Century Creative Economy Strategies'."
### Overview
- **Theme**: UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) and "21st Century Creative Economy Strategies"
- **Date**: June 1, 2026 (Mon), 10:00–12:00 (Networking time: 12:00–12:20)
- **Organizers**: Dream Island New Industry and City Creation Organization / Japan Mayors Association
- **Supporters**: METI Kansai Bureau / Kansai Association of Corporate Executives / Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- **Format**: Real and Online Hybrid Format
- **Venue**: Osaka University Nakanoshima Center 7F 7C+D (4-3-53 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka)
- **Online Participation**: Zoom Webinar
- **Fee**: Free
### Program
**Opening Remarks**
- Hirofumi Sawai (Chairman, Japan Mayors Association / Mayor of Matsubara)
**Part 1: Presentations**
- **Keynote**: Masayuki Sasaki (Chairperson & President, Shizuoka University of Art and Culture)
- **Presentation**: Hirofumi Sawai (Chairman, Japan Mayors Association / Mayor of Matsubara)
- **Presentation**: Takaaki Sakai (Mayor of Tanbasasayama)
- **Presentation**: Takami Nakahara (Deputy Mayor of Okayama)
**Part 2: Panel Discussion**
- Panel discussion by Part 1 speakers
**Closing Remarks**
- Takako Igaki (Representative Director, Dream Island New Industry and City Creation Organization)
**Networking Time**
- Exchange of business cards and networking with speakers
### Inquiries
Dream Island New Industry and City Creation Organization Secretariat
- Website: [https://yumeshimakikou.org](https://yumeshimakikou.org)
- Phone: 06-6136-8803
- Email: info-yume@yumeshimakikou.com
FAQ
When is the '1st Forum for Promoting the Charm of Japan to the World' being held?
It will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026 from 10:00 to 12:00 (Networking Time 12:00 to 12:20).
What is the theme of the forum?
The theme is the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) and a '21st Century Creative Economy Strategy'.
What are the participation fees and format of the forum?
Participation is free. The forum will be held in a hybrid format, both in-person at Osaka University Nakanoshima Center and online via Zoom Webinar.
Who is organizing the event?
It is co-organized by the Yumeshima New Industry and Urban Creation Organization and the Japan Association of City Mayors.
Who are the speakers?
Speakers include Mr. Masafumi Sawai, President of the Japan Association of City Mayors and Mayor of Matsubara, Mr. Masahiro Sasaki, Chancellor and President of Shizuoka University of Art and Culture, Mr. Takaharu Sakai, Mayor of Tamba-Sasayama, and Mr. Tomomi Nakahara, Deputy Mayor of Okayama.