In cooperation with local authorities and the relevant government offices, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is going to carry out various domestic projects to advance the idea of the “construction of creative hubs”, suggested by the public-private expert panel on creative industries, as a part of the “Cool Japan Promotion Strategy Project”.
These include a concept which aims to activate the whole of Japan by reviving the Japanese creative industries through the use of local resources and tourist attractions.
As a part of it, we intend to foster the “CREATIVE TOKYO” project. METI, Tokyo metropolitan government, the relevant government offices, shopping streets, department stores, developers, academia, related event promoters and nonprofit organizations will all unite with the aims of reviving Tokyo as a brand and activating the other parts of Japan in mind.

CREATIVE TOKYO is a concept designed to firmly establish Tokyo as a creative hub in Asia. The metropolis is a city which embodies the Japanese creative industries. This project is an attempt to bring in talented human resources, relevant information and funds from Asia, to create new industries and to further the potential of the Japanese economy. In order to achieve this, Japanese industries, academia, the government and various districts in Tokyo will all unite with these aims in mind.

In addition, as a kickoff event for the full-scale launch of the grand project, we will be hosting the “CREATIVE TOKYO FORUM” on Friday, November 4. In this symposium, key figures from Asian creative cities, influential debaters and creators will all come together to discuss the potential of the future creative industries, and the revival and reformation of Japanese society.

Furthermore, we are carrying out the project of TOKYO AUTUMN. TOKYO AUTUMN is the title of the platform which will promote the creative events taking place in Tokyo throughout autumn. Various city districts will unite in order to convey to the rest of the world just how fascinating Tokyo is, and to invigorate the consumption and to attract an international selection of tourists.

1. Purpose: The CREATIVE TOKYO FORUM is the core project of CREATIVE TOKYO/TOKYO AUTUMN. It is a platform where leading figures working in international creative industries will gather to exchange opinions regarding the future potential of each field and the reformation and revival of Japanese society. Therefore, the theme of this symposium is “Designing New Futures.”
2. Theme: Designing New Futures
3. Date & Time: November 4, 2011 (Fri) between 10:30 - 21:00
4. Venue: At Meijijingu Gaien, in the specially constructed dome for TOKYO DESIGNERS WEEK 2011 at at Meijijingu Gaien at 2- 3 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
5. Speaker: Seigo Matsuoka, Naoki Ito, Fumio Nanjo and more
6. Organizer: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
7. Participation: Admission free, Reservation required from website http://creativetokyo.jp
8. Deadline for application: October 20 (Thr).

*Please see the attached file or the website for details and the application.
（http://creativetokyo.jp）

TOKYO AUTUMN is the title of the platform which will promote the creative events taking place in Tokyo throughout autumn. Various city districts will unite in order to convey to the rest of the world just how fascinating Tokyo is, and to attract an international selection of tourists. This program intends to advance the reformation of Japan and the reconstruction of the Tohoku region. Therefore, we support talented creators and corporations who play an important role in Japan’s exceptional craftsmanship and creative industries. We wish to help them advance into the international scene.

*Please see the attached file or the website for details and public relations.
（http://tokyoautumn.jp）

• (Press Release) The advancement of the CREATIVE TOKYO project (PDF:250KB)
• (Attached file) The advancement of the CREATIVE TOKYO project press conference: October (PDF:1,892KB)

October 11, 2011

Creative Industries Division, Commerce and Information Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry