TOKYO
\nTokyo Governor Koike Yuriko hosted an iftar event on Tuesday for around 31 Japan-based ambassadors and heads of Islamic missions.
\nThe event, described as a \u201cnetworking night,\u201d was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and guests were offered a meal and explanation of Tokyo\u2019s plans for urban related projects.
\nDiplomats attending the event included the ambassadors and heads of missions of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Algeria, Syria and Yemen.
\nKoike, who is fluent in Arabic having studied in Cairo, opened her remarks by pointing out that the cherry blossoms currently blooming in Tokyo symbolize hope and new beginnings, before outlining some of Tokyo\u2019s plans for the future.
\nOne surprise, and in keeping with the religious significance of Ramadan, was the publication of a sightseeing guidebook especially for Muslim tourists to help enable them to enjoy their stay in Tokyo. Each of the guests was handed a copy to take home with them.
\nKoike also mentioned SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024, a series of events that aims to generate innovation to resolve challenges shared by cities.
\n\u201cThree programs that will pave the way to a brighter future will be held,\u201d Koike said. \u201cThe Global Startup Program, scheduled to be one of Asia\u2019s largest; the City Leaders Program, which will gather leaders from around the world; and the Showcase Program, which will allow participants to experience life in the future. I look forward to your feedback and a very productive discussion, with the aim to further strengthen our ties with you.\u201d
\nAfter iftar, there was a light show projected onto the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The show is planned to be a year-round event using the iconic Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1 as a canvas to create a new tourist attraction.
\nThe building is currently applying for Guinness World Records recognition as the world\u2019s \u201clargest permanent architectural projection mapping exhibition.\u201d The project also promotes environmentally friendly initiatives such as green electricity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
TOKYO Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko hosted an iftar event on Tuesday for around 31 Japan-based ambassadors and heads of Islamic missions. The event, described as a \u201cnetworking night,\u201d was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and guests were offered a meal and explanation of Tokyo\u2019s plans for urban related projects. Diplomats attending the event […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":398417,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-398391","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-world"},"yoast_head":"\n