Top > What's up around the Prime Minister > December, 2004

Japan Organizing Committee and the ROK Advisory Committee for the "Japan-Korea Friendship Year 2005" Pay Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Tuesday, December 14, 2004 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi received a courtesy call from Mr. Park Seongyong, the Chair of the advisory committee for the "Japan-Korea Friendship Year 2005" from the Republic of Korea's (ROK) side, and Mr. Ikuo Hirayama, the Chair of the organizing committee from the Japanese side, as well as other representatives of the two committees at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. As the year 2005 marks the 40th anniversary since the establishment of relations between Japan and the ROK, next year has been designated the "Japan-Korea Friendship Year 2005." Under the theme of "Together! Toward the Future, Into the World," Japan and the ROK will facilitate exchanges in various areas including art, academia, sports and tourism. On this courtesy call, both sides shared their will to cooperate to successfully carry out the "Japan-Korea Friendship Year 2005" and to continue Japan-ROK exchanges long into the future beyond 2005 with the Friendship Year serving as a milestone. During the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "Recently, Korean movies, TV drama series and music have gained much popularity in Japan. I expect the mutual understanding between the people of Japan and the ROK to be enhanced through numerous activities planned during the 'Japan-Korea Friendship Year 2005.'"