APEC in KANSAI

Historical Background & General Information

July,1995

The Kansai Region--A Japanese Economic and Cultural Center Rich in Historic Sites

The Osaka APEC Meetings will be held in the Kansai region, site of several ancient capitals. Osaka, for instance, celebrates the 1350th anniversary of the founding of the Naniwa Capital this year. Nara was a capital during the 8th century; and Kyoto was a seat of the imperial government for a millennium, until 1868. As the site of these ancient capitals, the Kansai region has long been a center of international trade and cultural exchange, particularly with other East Asian countries. Throughout Japan's history, the Kansai region has always played a leading role in developing the Japanese economy, industries, and overseas trade, as well as in fostering traditional cultures. Today, the region takes an active part in leading Japan's economy and developing science and technology. In addition to the newly opened Kansai International Airport, many large projects are under way, including construction of Kansai Science City and Osaka Bay Area.

Major cities in the Kansai region have unique characteristics. Osaka, the host city of the APEC meetings, began to flourish in the 16th century as a commercial and industrial center. The City has also fostered various cultures and arts, including "bunraku" or a puppet performance. Today, Osaka plays an important role in the world economy, and is eagerly promoting international business exchange. Kyoto and Nara, known for many historic sites and structures, are visited by tourists from around the world. Kobe and theHanshin district, struck by earthquake in January 1995, are currently under rapid reconstruction. With its international port, Kobe is known for international trade and business and cultural exchanges. In addition to these major cities, there are many scenic spots in the Kansai region. Shiga Prefecture, for instance, is known for Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan; Wakayama Prefecture, blessed with a long sea coast and deep mountains, has many summer and winter resorts. Sabae, Fukui Prefecture, will host the World Gymnastics Championships in October 1995.

Cooperation of the Kansai Region in the Osaka APEC Meetings

The Kansai Host Council for the Osaka APEC Meetings was formed to cooperate with Secretariat for Osaka APEC Meetings, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in preparing for the Osaka APEC Meetings scheduled for November 1995. The Kansai Host Council for Osaka APEC Meetings consists of 89 members, which are local governments in the Kansai region (six prefectures and three cities); economic bodies, and other organizations. The activities of the Council will include assisting and cooperating with the Japanese Government in the Kansai Osaka APEC Meetings, organizing and supporting various APEC related events, promoting the Kansai region throughout the world, and promoting the grass-roots cooperation to the events. For instance, the Council will construct and secure meeting facilities, recruit volunteers, organize various related events, and assist the press in the field of information and communications. Through these services, the Council members, as well as local citizens, hope to extend their hospitality to visitors to Osaka and the Kansai region, and promote mutual friendship with visitors' countries.

Facilities for APEC Meetings

The Osaka Geihinkan (Guest House)
For the APEC Informal Leaders' Meeting scheduled for November 19, 1995, Osaka City is currently constructing the Guest House in Nishinomaru Garden. The Garden, designated a national historic site, is visited by many citizens, who enjoy walking there, especially to view cherry blossoms in spring. The architecture of the Guest House will be in traditional Japanese palace style. Its completion is scheduled for September. After the Osaka APEC Meetings, the building will be open to the public for relaxation. A portion of the building will be used for conference rooms.

The Main Tower situated east of the Nishinomaru Garden has been an important asset of the city since its reconstruction in 1931, financed by the contributions of thousands of Osaka citizens. Since the 16th century, when the Main Tower was first built, it has been a symbol of Osaka. Today it is visited by a great many tourists from around the world.

The Ministerial Conference Hall
The Ministerial Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Trading of the APEC member economies will be held at the Hotel New Otani Osaka on November 16 and 17. Situated in Osaka Business Park, the Hotel enjoys an excellent view of the adjacent park and easy access to the offices of many Japan's major enterprises.

Press Center and International Broadcasting Center(IBC)
The Press Center will be set up in a multi-purpose hall, adjacent to the Osaka Geihinkan (Guest House), and Hotel New Otani Osaka, which is a venue for the Ministerial Meetings. During the APEC Meetings, reporters from the 18 APEC member economies, and more countries will gather at the Center to dispatch up-to-the-minute information to the world. To assist overseas broadcasting corporations in covering the events, producing programs, and broadcasting, International Broadcasting Center (IBC) will be set up at Crystal Tower.

Hotels for APEC Delegations
To accommodate government delegations, the following five hotels will be used:The Westin Hotel, Hotel Hankyu International, Hotel Plaza, Miyako Hotel Osaka, and Royal Hotel. These facilities are located in Kita Ward, except for Miyako Hotel Osaka, which is in Tennoji Ward.

Services Coordinated by the Kansai Host Council for Osaka APEC Meetings

To ensure a pleasant stay for participants in the Osaka APEC Meetings (delegations and press representatives), we are currently considering the following services. We would like to do our best to make your stay in the Kansai as enjoyable and memorable as possible, so that you will wish to visit again. Should you have any requests, suggestions or questions concerning your stay in the Kansai, please feel free to communicate with the Council at your earliest possible convenience
(1) Transportation
During the Meetings, shuttle buses will be operated between major locations. Free passes for major railways in the Kansai (on limited routes) will be issued to foreign press representatives bearing an ID card. A Kansai guidebook and map will be issued to provide information on various sightseeing spots in the Kansai, and how to reach them.

(2) Food and Beverages
During the Osaka APEC Meetings, reception will be hosted by local governments and organizations. Selected restaurants in Osaka City will provide the following services, mainly to press representatives (ID card holders): (1) English-language menues will be prepared; (2) English-speaking waiters/waitresses will be posted; (3) discounts will be offered. A list and map of establishments offering these services will be provided in the press kit. In addition, coffee and other snacks will be served in the Press Center.

(3) Tours
Study tours will be organized to visit the Kansai's cultural spots, high-tech and development project sites, human rights-related facilities, and areas affected by the Great Hanshin Earthquake where restoration is in progress. Tours, covering mainly Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe, will be scheduled so as not to interfere with the Meetings.

(4) Kansai Promotion and Information Booth
"Kansai Promotion and Information Booth (tentative name)" will be set up at the Press Center and major hotels, to provide relevant information, process to reservations and distribute press kits, as well as to promote the Kansai through brochures, video presentations, exhibits and other PR media. Foreign language-speaking volunteers posted at each Booth will provide information concerning tours and other related matters.

(5) Accommodations
For press representatives who plan on arriving in Osaka well ahead of the Meetings, or who plan an extended stay after the Meetings, for media activities in the Kansai, the provision of reduced price private or public lodging facilities other than hotels is currently under consideration.

(6) Related Events
In the Kansai region, the following APEC related events will be organized for overseas businesspersons:


There will be about 60 more events during September, October, and November 199 5. For details, please refer to the event calendar.

(7) "APEC Kansai Passport" Program
Free passes for various sightseeing spots and cultural facilities, such as museums, will be issued to Meetings participants with ID card. The pass will cover various spots and facilities in Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, and Nara Prefectures.For details, please refer to the map, that will be given to all participants.
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