The Japan-Korea Tunnel, which our foundation has been working on since it first proposed it 35 years ago, saw a conference held at a hotel in Tokyo on November 25th to mark a major step forward toward its realization. The conference was called the "Japan-Korea Tunnel Promotion National Executive Liaison Conference," and was hosted by the National Conference Steering Committee and co-hosted by our foundation.
Approximately 200 people participated, including representatives of the "Prefectural Councils" that have already been formed in 28 prefectures across Japan, as well as members of the Diet, academics, and representatives from South Korea. The fact that the "International Highway/Japan-Korea Tunnel" has begun to be discussed at the national level towards its realization means that it has moved from a private organization project to a national/international project.
At the conference, the foundation's Chairman, Eiji Tokuno, gave a speech, explaining the significance of the Japan-Korea Tunnel, saying, "The Japan-Korea Tunnel will contribute to future Korea-Japan and Japan-Korea relations, bringing the people of both countries closer together and is a concrete plan to realize an East Asian community." He expressed his hopes for the participants' continued efforts.
Hiroshi Mizohata, Chairman of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau (former Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency), delivered a keynote speech entitled "Invigorating Japan through tourism and regional revitalization - The Japan-Korea Tunnel is a catalyst for Japan's revitalization." He stated, "I have high hopes for the Japan-Korea Tunnel to help create a country where young people can dream, find meaning in life, and take pride in," and encouraged the project to be developed into a national movement along with resolutions by local assemblies.
[Photo] Mr. Eiji Tokuno, Chairman of the Foundation, giving a speech
[Photo] Next year, 2017, we will unite our hearts to create a wave of momentum at the national and international levels to realize the Japan-Korea tunnel.
