Culture Agency Might Move to Kyoto

It is feasible now that the Agency for Cultural Affairs will find a new home in Japan's foremost cultural town - Kyoto. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met Kyoto Governor Yamada January 14 and responded to the latter's proposal to welcome the Agency for Cultural Affairs to his town: "We will study positively your ardent request to that effect."

PM Abe met in his official residence a delegation from Kyoto comprising Governor Yamada, Chairman Tateishi of the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Sen Soshitsu, the Master of Tea Ceremony, January 14. The delegation handed over a proposal for relocating the Agency for Cultural Affairs to Kyoto as part of the government's comprehensive drive to activate localities.

Mr. Abe was favorable in his response to the proposal, saying that he would give it positive thoughts.

Governor Yamada commented in a press interview following the meeting that "Kyoto will steadfastly support the plan to have the agency relocated and that an "All Kyoto" campaign will promote the plan.

The delegation paid a courtesy call on Minister of Education Hase on the same day to solicit his cooperation for the endeavor. Minister Hase said the relocation of Agency for Cultural Affairs to Kyoto would be significant to spur regional revitalization and that he would further the plan with Minister Ishiba in direct charge of regional revitalization.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs is a branch of the Ministry of Education inaugurated in 1968 for the promotion of arts and culture in Japan. Kyoto is home to much of Japan's artistic tradition and to "as many temples and shrines as postboxes". 

Governor Yamada offered a substantial sum of funds to shoulder part of the construction cost in the event the agency moves to Kyoto.