1. In view of the rapidly growing Japan-India relations, the Government of Japan has accorded India the status of a priority country to project Japan as a favourable tourism destination for Indians, and will soon start a comprehensive “Visit Japan” promotional campaign in India. It is estimated that approximately 124,000 Japanese travelers visited India in 2009, but only around half of this number traveled to Japan from India. However, it is hoped that as a result of this campaign, more Indians would visit Japan in the future.

2. Towards this objective, the first meeting of the “Visit Japan Local Promotion Committee” is scheduled to be held on 23 February 2011, under the auspices of Mr. Hajime Hayashi, Charge d’Affaires ad interim, Embassy of Japan, for the purpose of gathering inputs from the Indian travel trade community and others, in order to accurately project the appeals of Japan as a favourable travel destination to Indians, based on the unique requirements of Indian travellers.

Topics to be covered in the meeting:
1) Visit Japan Project for India (explanation from Japan Tourism Agency)
2) Current status of the Indian market (explanation from JNTO, local travel agents, Embassy [simplification of visa process])
3) Opinion exchange on measures for stimulating interest in Japan
4) Future activities of the Visit Japan Project in India

3. Press Conference by Mr. Naoyoshi Yamada of Japan Tourism Agency (JTA)
     Date and venue: 23 February 2011, 19:00 hours onwards
     Japanese Ambassador’s Residence in New Delhi

(Reference information)
Japan is also currently promoting the “Cool Japan” campaign. “Cool Japan” intends to further enhance the appeal of the unique and modern cultures which have been inherited and adapted in Japan, in order to project these cultures to the world. As part of such efforts, 10 well-known Japanese apparel brands are expected to participate in a fashion show called “Tokyo Eye in Lakme Fashion Week”, which is to be held for the first time in Mumbai, from 11th to 14th of March 2011. Please see the attachment for further details.