Date : June 18, 2008
【Press Tour】June 18: “Pre 2008 G8 Kyoto Foreign Ministers’ Meeting” Press Tour (Application closed)
post date : 2013.08.22
(Application closed)
～ Venue of the Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the“Kyoto Car”Development Project ～
Prior to the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit, the 2008 G8 Kyoto Foreign Ministers’ Meetingwill be held on June 26 and 27. With its 1200 years of history, the ancient capital, Kyoto, has been nurturing its history and culture by living side by side with nature. Kyoto is the birthplace of the Kyoto Protocol, which in 1997 stated actual targets for tackling climate change. A major topic of this year’s G8 Summit is environmental issues, and it is significant to hold the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kyoto.
The press tour will take you to Kyoto State Guest House, the venue of the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the Kyoto International Conference Center, where the International Media Center (IMC) is being set up. The tour will also cover the “Kyoto Car” Development Project, a combination of Kyoto-style expert workmanship and cutting-edge technology as a new step for environmental measures.
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One more month to go until the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit. One of the main themes of the Summit is environment and climate change. Prior to the Summit, the 2008 G8 Kyoto Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will be held on June 26 and 27.
With its 1200 years of history, the ancient capital, Kyoto, has been nurturingb its history and culture by living side by side with nature. Kyoto is the birthplace of the Kyoto Protocol, which in 1997 stated actual targets for tackling climate change. A major topic of this year’s G8 Summit is environmental issues, and it is significant to hold the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kyoto.
The press tour will take you to Kyoto State Guest House, the venue of the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the Kyoto International Conference Center, where the International Media Center (IMC) is being set up. The tour will also cover the “Kyoto Car” Development Project, a combination of Kyoto-style expert workmanship and cutting-edge technology as a new step for environmental measures.
*This press tour is hosted by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and coordinated and operated by the Foreign Press Center. Four journalists who are here on invitation from overseas will also participate in this tour.
Presentations:
1. Kyoto State Guest House
- The second Guest House in Japan – a collaboration of traditional culture and the latest architectural technology -
Built in March 2005 in Kyoto Imperial Palace, it took over three years before the completion of this second Guest House in Japan was completed. Its aesthetic design blends in well with other historical buildings in the palace grounds. The sukiya style of building harmonizes with the Japanese garden with its waterfalls and ponds. Various kinds of Kyoto’s expert craftsmanship are brought together; some parts were made by living national treasures. The traditional handicrafts are supported by the latest architectural technology – acrylic plastic that prevents water from getting inside the wall, fire-resistant nickel sheet that will not deteriorate for 100 years.
You will have a guided tour of the Kyoto State Guest House, ready to accept Foreign Ministers with Japanese hospitality.
2. Kyoto International Conference Center
- The venue of the historical international conference; IMC set up at the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting -
Built in 1966 as the first national convention facility in Japan, it has been the venue of over 16,000 conferences and events. It was also the place where the Kyoto Protocol was adopted in December 1997. For the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the IMC will be set up to function as the base for foreign journalists.
After having lunch at the Kyoto International Conference Center, you will tour the main facilities including the Main Hall.
3. Kyoto Electric Car “Kyoto Car” Development Project
“From Kyoto to contribute to the prevention of global warming”, an industry-government-academia project team centered on Kyoto University, disclosed a 1/10-scale model of the “Kyoto Car” aimed to reduce green house gases. Using bamboo fiber for the interior material, solar energy generation, special Japanese lacquer to paint the body of the car – by blending high technology and traditional culture and technology, this electric car suits Kyoto, a city with abundant history and tradition, and its eco-friendly stance. This project suggests a system where you can charge the battery anywhere, such as at convenience stores. It also intends a tie-up with India and China. A new challenge has started with unheard-of ideas. Aiming at exhibiting in time for the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, they are now preparing eight mini model cars with a traditional Kyo-yuzen design.
On the day of the tour, the third Kyoto Car forum will be held at Kyoto University. The tour participants will partly join the forum, be briefed by Dr. Kazumi Matsushige, Vice President of the university, on the concept of Kyoto Car, and test drive an electric vehicle.
*The test drive will be cancelled in case of rain.
Tour itinerary and application details:
1. Itinerary (Tentative):
Wednesday, June 18
07:50 Leave Tokyo station by Shinkansen (Nozomi 61)
10:11 Arrive at Kyoto station
11:00-12:00 Kyoto State Guest House
12:45-13:30 Lunch (@Kyoto International Conference Center)
13:30-14:15 Kyoto International Conference Center
15:00-17:00 “Kyoto Car” Development Project
18:09 Leave Kyoto Station by Shinkansen (Nozomi 316)
20:30 Arrive at Tokyo station
2. Qualification: Bearer of Gaimusho Foreign Press Registration Card
3. Expenses: 5,000 yen per person (round trip transportation fee between Tokyo and Kyoto and lunch included)
*FPCJ will inform the participants of payment methods, cancellation fee etc. later on.
4. Participants:
- Limited to the first 6 applicants on a first-come first-served basis
- Pen reporters preferred
- If the number of applicants exceeds 6, an upper limit may be set on the number of participants from each country
5. FPCJ Contact: Mr. Yano and Ms. Nagai (Tel: 03-3501-3405)
6. Remarks:
(1) There are some restrictions on photographing and filming at the tour sites. Please follow the instructions of the staff on duty.
(2) FPCJ will not be liable for any inconvenience, trouble or accident that might occur in the course of the tour.