Near news vol.67(eng)

NEAR One Northeast Asia Region, One Community NEAR March-April 2016

Vol.

News

67 Statue of Genghis Khan

NEAR This Month NEAR Activities I Secretariat News I NEAR Member News I Schedule of NEAR Member

The 3rd Youth Essay Contest’s Award Receivers Feature Report Contribution by Dispatched Officials - Matsuo Shuichiro (Dispatched Official from Shimane Prefecture, Japan) - Groo Iana (Dispatched Official from Altai Territory, Russia)

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

NEAR News

“NEAR News� was launched in 2005 to serve as a messenger between NEAR member regions and promote sharing of information. The bi-monthly magazine is published and distributed to NEAR members and other relevant organizations free of charge, containing information on NEAR activities, news from members, international issues, contributions and announcements (also available free at http://www.neargov.org). You can take part in creating NEAR News anytime by contributing articles and creative ideas (Contact the NEAR Secretariat).

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Culture and Tourism Week (Kamchatka Territory, Russia)

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NEAR is... a representative regional diplomacy cooperation and international organization by 79 regional governments (73 member regions and 6 observers) in 6 Northeast Asian countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Russia, North Korea, and Mongolia.

Since the adoption of the NEAR Charter based on mutual prosperity, NEAR has carried out extensive exchange and cooperation projects in various fields ranging from economy and humanities exchange, education & cultural exchange, environment, disaster prevention, cross-border cooperation, science & technology, ocean & fisheries, tourism, mineral resources development & coordination, energy & climate change, women & children, bio-medical industry to agriculture.

Partnering with and promoting joint projects by strengthening the exchange with international organizations such as AER (The Assembly of European Regions), the largest independent network of regional authorities in Europe, and R-20 (Regions of Climate Action), NEAR takes the lead in building an international cooperative network communicating with the world beyond Northeast Asia.

NEAR is open to all.

Any local government located in the Northeast Asian region sharing the founding purpose of NEAR can join us through the NEAR General Assembly.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

NEAR This Month

NEAR Activities / Secretariat News

NEAR Activities Annual Report 2015 Distribution

building of local governments. The Mongolian Delegate met the Secretary General Jun and the 16 secretariat.

At the visit, Secretary General Boldbaatar of the Great Hural (Parliament) of

The NEAR Secretariat is distributing the

Mongolia mentioned that the Mongolian local governments have put much

annual report at the beginning of every year

effort in strengthening the capacity of self-governing bodies in various ways and

based on the activities of the year. The annual

hope to build a closer relationship with NEAR that connects the local

Report 2015 includes information on NEAR

governments of the two countries.

Working committee, International Forum,

Secretary-General Jun of NEAR responded that “As every regional

Sub-Committees, Working-level Workshop and the 3 rd Youth Essay Contest and

government of Mongolia is a member of NEAR, the NEAR secretariat is

Professional Internship Program of NEAR.

prosperity through information exchange.”

willing to actively cooperate with local government bodies of Mongolia for

The report is published in 6 different languages (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Mongolian, Russian and English) and distributed to the members and relative organizations to promote further exchange and cooperation.

The 4th Youth Essay Contest This year’s NEAR Youth Essay Contest will be held in April, not June. The contest is aimed at raising the youth’s interest in politics, society, economy, and culture in Northeast Asia. It also aims to promote exchange and cooperation among the member regions. The details of the Contest will be provided in March. NEAR is looking forward to even more participation and cooperation from the members.

Visit of the Delegation headed by Secretary General of the Great Hural (Parliament) from Mongolia Seventeen Representatives of Mongolian Parliament visited NEAR in Pohang in February 19 as a part of visiting politically developed region for capacity

Secretariat News Visit of Pohang High school Students

On January 14, students of the “Num-Go-Num-Eoh” (“Above and Beyond”) Club of Pohang High School visited NEAR. This visit was organized with the

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 67

Secretariat News / NEAR Member News

request of the teachers and club member students after their participation in the

3rd NEAR Youth Essay Contest in 2015. The students were welcomed by Secretary-General Jun and his opening speech, then were presented with the

from NEAR Secretariat office attended the Symposium as well. They listened to the presentations and the following discussion about cooperation and prosperity in Northeast Asia.

NEAR promotion video, and provided with the introduction of the association.

The event was wrapped up with the Q&A Session. Through the visit, the students have shown increased interest and understanding of NEAR and the desire to actively participate in the upcoming international events organized by NEAR. The visiting students suggested more promotional activities be made for the essay contest via various means such as SNS, especially through the club student members.

Attending the 4th East Sea Rim International Symposium The 4th East Sea Rim International Symposium was held on January 26 at the Conference Room in Pohang City Hall. This event was organized by East Sea Rim Development Forum co-hosted by Yeongnamilbo (a local press) and the Institute of International Affairs of Kyung Hee University under the theme of ‘Mobilities and Networks in East Sea Rim.’ Around 300 people including foreign and domestic experts from the regional governments, academic and media fields participated in the Symposium. The participants had a chance to learn about the issues and plans to build a network on land and sea in the East Sea Rim (Northeast Asia) and to seek for solutions to overcome. About 10 staff

NEAR Member News China - Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 2016 Yinchuan “One Belt, One Road” International Goods Fair

which was designed by Liang Wen Dao and Cheng Jing Liang Bing. This symbol is designed combining a monkey with the ocean. It has been a tradition of Weifang Kite Festival to select one from 12 zodiac animals as its mascot.

Started in April, 1984, Weifang Kite Festival has been held 32 times, cohosted

by General Administration of Sport, International Kite Federation, and

2016 Inchuan “One Belt, One Road” International Goods Fair is held from

Government of Weifang City. With decision made by the Chinese Government,

May 12 to 16 at Yinchuan Expo. This fair is hosted by Association of Trade and

International Kite Federation was founded by 16 representatives from the USA,

Fair in China, and organized by Center for International Affairs and Association

Japan, the UK, Italy, and other countries. Now Weifang is considered to be the

for Trade in Yinchuan, China. The size of the exhibition hall is 20,000㎡ and

center of exchange of cultures of kite. Weifang International Kite Festival is one

600 booths will be prepared. This fair will showcase various products of food

of the 4 main folk culture events along with Beijing Spring Festival at Ditan

and beverage, clothes, decoration items, and hand-made goods. It is expected

Park, Harbin Ice and Snow Festival and Zigong Lantern Festival. The World

that more than 100,000 people will visit the fair. During the fair, various

Kite Championship is the most influential event overall. At this Festival about

programs such as 2016 Silk Road Economy Belt Local Food Fair, 2016 One

20 national and regional delegates will participate in the Kite-Flying

Belt, One Road and Export Development Fair of the countries nearby will be

Competition. The festival includes the Performance of Ten-Thousands People

organized.

Flying Kite. Various programs concerning 3 main topics of kite, culture, and

(Contact: Center for International Exchange of Ningxia, Yang Xiao Tong

investment promotion of economy and trade are arranged in more than 10 key

T. 86-13259605806, 86-951-5043638, E. 305435959@qq.com)

activities. Lastly, trying the local food and visiting Weifang Kite Museum is highly recommended as well. The museum is the biggest museum as it displays Chinese and foreign fine kites.

China - Shandong Province Weifang International Kite Festival The 33rd International Kite Festival will be held from April 16 to 21 in Weifang City, China. The festival symbol has been released several days ago

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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NEAR Member News

Japan - Tottori Prefecture Tottori Prefecture Culture Day

Tottori Prefecture, Japan will hold “Tottori Culture day” in Primorsky

Japan - Yamagata Prefecture International Cultural Exchange with Youth Cultural Exchange Team of Harbin, China

Territory, Russia. “Tottori Culture Day” is held annually since 2010. Especially, since the year 2016 is the 25th anniversary of having friendship between Tottori Prefecture and Primorsky Russia, not only the cultural event but also a food fair using cuisine in Tottori will be organized. And Tottori Tourism Promotion will be held with different theme every day. Much participation will be appreciated.

In Yamagata Prefecture, in 1993, a friendship agreement has been signed with Heilongjangsheng which consists of exchange in various fields of education,

Tottori Culture Day

economy, technology, academia, culture and tourism. In 2011, a local office of

Date: 3 -8 March, 2016

Yamagata Prefecture in Harbin was moved to the the capital city in

Venue: Vladivostok, Primorsky Territory, Russia

Heilongjangsheng, China and since then has been promoting exchanges

Main Events: Traditional Food Trial, Calligraphy Performance

between two regional governments. In January 16, ‘Youth Cultural Exchange

Contact: Cultural Exchange International Affairs

Team of Harbin’ visited Yamagata Prefecture and had a concert with group of students in Yamagata Prefecture at ‘Hibiki Hall’. The youth exchange delegates of Harbin of 58 elementary, middle and high school students showed various performances of Traditional music instruments, chorus and dance and attracted many audiences. The students of Yamagata Prefecture also have played the traditional drums and sang folk songs. As the finale of the event, every

South Korea - Jeollanam-do Province Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival

participant sang a song named ‘Clap if you are Happy’ alternatively in Japanese and Chinese. All throughout the event, the participants were constantly smiling

From March 18 to 27, Gwangyang International Maehwa (apricot) Festival

and the relationship of trade and exchange has been enriched between Yamagata

will be held for the 19th time. As the city of Gwangyang, to be specific, Seomjin

Prefecture, Japan and Harbin City, China.

Village in Daap-myeon will be covered with Maehwa (also known as apricot flower) around a million visitors come to the festival every year. During the season when Maehwa fully blooms for a month around 1.1 million people visit the city. The visitors can enjoy about 35 various programs, which include concerts, exhibitions, and cultural experience events all around the city. The festival has been upsized into a bigger event to show traditional performances and to exchange different cultures based on last year’s success as a worldwide festival. Such events as ‘Back to Old school (wearing school uniforms)’ and ‘Slow post delivery service (delivering letters written at the event a year later)’ are recommended to try. People can take some time to rest out of the busyness of daily life, walking along Maehwa Healing Course, a path with the full blossom in the beautiful nature. Purchasing regional specialty crops from the local people at the direct dealing market is also possible.

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NEAR Member News

Russia - Altai Prefecture Looking Closer with 'Numbers' at Winter in Altai Last December, the second festival was held in 5 cities and 8 regions in Altai Prefecture and over twenty thousand visitors came to Altai, Russia. 5 different lectures about tourism on biology and roundtable discussions, 4 fairs and 4 contest, 2 special events of ‘Snowman Building’ and ‘Dumpling Making Contest’ were held. Dumplings’ 5 Festivals such as ‘Russia Samovar Festival’ and ‘Cabbage Roll Festival’, 6 master-classes, 6 cultural entertainment programs and 22 sports programs were also organized. Over 3,000 visitors came to the

South Korea - Gyeongsangbuk-do Province

Lake of Swan, Soviet Area to watch the opening ceremony including parade, and over 12,000 people were present at Kart K2 (a horse racetrack) in Barnaul,

Cheongsong, Holding Ice-Climbing World Cup 2016 and Re-selected as a Host for the Next Season

10,000 people to the raffle event.

Cheongsong hosted the UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour and the Asian

Championship in Belokurikha in Altai Prefecture, and the Director of Center for

Championships from January 16 to 17 starting with the Opening Ceremony on

Tourism and Information in Kazakhstan attended various festivals as well.

the 15th. At this Championship, 102 world’s top athletes from 18 countries

From Kazakhstan and Italy, the chairman of youth Alpine Ski contest committee came to the opening ceremony of Alpine Ski and Snowboard

Lastly, Igor Levitin, the presidential adviser of Russia also came to the festival.

including Korean National team participated. Starting this year, the

Over 300 people attended to the programs related to education and business.

Championship was held at the worlds’ first permanent Ice-Climbing stadium.

On the first day of the festival, famous photographers, tourists and bilologists

The ice-climbing game is divided into two parts: Lead and Speed. Mr. Park Hee

attended the lectures. Scholars from Altai Territory, Irkutsk Region, and

Yong won the first place at the Men’s Lead final, and Ms. Tolokonina Maria

Khabarovsk Territory attended roundtable discussions for biology tourism

topped the Women’s Speed. Ice-Climbing World Cup has been held in 3 to 4

development. Scholars and representatives from Altai Territory had meetings

times a year mainly in Europe. Besides European countries, Choengsong, Korea

about tourism and technology and entertainment development at Altai National

is the only place which has hosted Ice Climbing World Cup since 2011.

Culture Research Center. Representatives of 43 local and central media came to

Cheongsong has been once again selected as the host for the game from 2016 to

the festival. 68 craft artisans were able to display their own brands and goods at

2020.

Barnaul Exhibition.

The director of Center for Tourism in Altai has mentioned that in quantitative measures, the number of participants, partners and visitors has been increased.

Meanwhile, the festival itself has been more famous as the places taken and kinds of sports included are increased as well. While he admitted that the results are important to observe, planning well for the upcoming the Winter Festival 2016 is just as important.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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Schedule of NEAR Member

March

Schedule of NEAR Member

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Monday

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Region : Tottori Prefecture (JP) 13 Event : Tottori Marathon 2016 When : Mar.13 Where : Tottori City Contact : Sports Promotion, Regional Promotion Division, Tottori Prefecture (T) +81-857-26-7919

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Region : Kamchatka Territory (RU) 17 Event : International Ski Competition ‘Avachinsky Ski Marathon’ When : Apr.17 Where : Kamchatka Contact : Sports and Youth Policy Division, Kamchatka Prefecture (E) minst@kamgov.ru

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Region : Hyogo Prefecture (JP) Event : The 14th Sub-Committee on Disaster Prevention When : Mar. 7-10 Where : Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecutre Contact : International Affairs Division, Hyogo Prefecture (T) +81-78-362-9870 (F) +81-78-362-9914

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Region : The NEAR Secretariat Event : The NEAR Working-level Workshop 2016 When : Apr. 27-29 Where : Pohang City, Gyeonsangbuk-do Province Contact : NEAR Secretariat Office (T)+82-223-2324

Schedule of NEAR Member

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Region : Khuvsgul Province (MN) Event : Ice Festival When : Mar.2-3 Where : Khuvsgul Lake Contact : Social Development Division Khuvsgul Province (T) +976-70388184 (E) bayar_019@yahoo.com

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Region : Khabarovsk Territory (RU) 3 Event : Food Industry Fair When : Mar.3-6 Where : Khabarovsk City Contact : Khabarovsk International Fair

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Region : Daegu Metropolitan City (KR) Event : International Textile Fair 2016 When : Mar.9-11 Where : Daegu EXCO Contact : PID Secretariat (T) +82-53-560-6520 http://www.previewin.com/

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Region : Tottori Prefecture (JP) Event : Tottori Culture Day When : Mar.3-8 Where : Vladibostok Contact : Domestic and International Affairs Division, Tottori Prefecture (T)+81-857-26-7240 (E)ryusuishin@pref.tottori.jp

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Region : Jeju Special Self-Governing 18 Province (KR) Event : The 3rd International Electric Vehicle Expo When : Mar.18-3.24 Where : Jeju City Contact : Department of Energy and Industry Energy, Jeju-special Self-Governing Province (T) +82-064-710-2611

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Region : Gyeongsangnam-do Province (KR) 2 Event : Goseong Dinosaur World Expo 2016 When : Apr.1-6.12 Where : Danghangpo Tourist Center and Sangjokam County Park, Gyeongsangnam-do Contact : Courtesy of Goseong Dinosaur World Expo Organizing Committee (T) +82-55-670-3812-4

Region : Daegu Metropolitan City (KR) 6 Event : 13rd International Green Energy Expo When : Apr.6-8 Where : Daegu EXCO Contact : Green Energy Expo Secretariat Office (T) +82-53-601-5371 http://www.energyexpo.co.kr/kor/

Region : Krasnoyarsk (RU) 8 Event : YENISEY SPECIALIZED EXHIBITION When : Apr.7-9 Where : Krasnoyarsk City Contact : Department of Culture, Krasnoyarsk (Т) +7 (391) 249-34-84 (E) Natarov@econ-krsk.ru, (E) inter@econ-krsk.ru

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Region : Krasnoyarsk Region [RU] 13 Event : Exhibition-Forum ‘Oil, Gas, and Chemistry’ When : Apr.13-15 Where : Krasnoyarsk City Contact : Department of Culture, Krasnoyarsk (Т) +7 (391) 249-34-84 (E) Natarov@econ-krsk.ru (E) inter@econ-krsk.ru

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Region : Daegu Metropolitan City (KR) Event : 15th Daegu International Optical Show When : Apr.21-23 Where : Daegu EXCO Contact : DIOPS Secretariat (T) +82-53-350-7830

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Region : Jeollanam-do Province (KR) Event : Gwangyang International Maehwa Festivall When : Mar.18-3.27 Where : Gwangyang City Contact : Gwangyang City (T) +82-97-3714, 3715. 3715

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Region : Primorsky Territory (RU) Event : The 23rd Architecture Exhibition“City” When : Apr.27-29 Where : Vladibostok Contact : Division of City Construction, Primorsky Territory (Т) +7 423 220 54 89 archkom@primorsky.ru DALEXPOCENTER (Т) +7 423 2200 418 27 dalexpo@vlad.ru

Region : Niigata Prefecture (JP) Event : Niigata Sake Fair 2016 When : Mar.12-13 Where : Niigata City Contact : Niigata Sake Brewer’s Association (T) +81-25-229-1218 (F) +81-25-229-1220

Region : Kamchatka Territory (RU) Event : International Cross-Country Ski Competition When : Apr.22-24 Where : Edelweiss Ski Hill Contact : Division of Sports and Youth Policy of Kamchatka Prefecture (E)minst@kamgov.ru

Region : Shandong Province (CN) Event : International Kite Festival When : Apr.16-21 Where : Weifang City Contact : Weifang International Kite Festival Office (Chinese) (T) +86 -536-8096886 (F) +86-536-8096857

Region : Altai Territory (RU) Event : International Forum on Tourism, “VISIT ALTAI” When : Apr.22-May.1 Where : Altai Territory Contact : Division of Tourism, Leisure, and International Relations of Altai (Т/F) +7-3852-20-10-31 (E)priem@alttur22.ru (E)tourism22@mail.ru

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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Youth Essay

The 3rd Youth Essay Contest’s Award Receivers

The NEAR Secretariat held the 3rd Youth Essay Contest in 2015. The contest aims to promote exchange and cooperation among the member regions.

NEAR News is introducing award-winning essays from each country.

Promoting Cultural Exchange and Creating a Harmonious World [CHINA] Wang Ruoyu Class of 2013, Dongying Municipal Experimental School

exotic style as well as of traditional Chinese style. In

harmonious world, cultures of different countries as

Ireland, there are also buildings of exotic style.

well as the world economy can be prosperous.

With the development of globalization especially

In the fast developing world, every country and its

the learning of a second language, human beings

people strives to be stronger and independent, during

have benefited a lot in cultural exchange and

which process different cultures are exchanged and

development. There are more and more students

broadcasted. As a teenager, we should try our best to

studying abroad and experiencing different cultures.

study hard and improve ourselves, thus to make

Meanwhile, with a series of reality TV shows such

contributions to the development of our nation as

as We are Young (a program in which students from

well as the cultural exchange and globalization.

Australia and China came to the other’s country for learning and experiencing) cultures could be exchanged and broadcasted much better.

However, the colorful cultural exchange

The effectiveness of culture is crosstime and cross-space and cross effect boundaries.

mentioned above could be experienced only by a part of the people in the world. There are also people suffering from wars, poverty and backward in some countries and areas, which have become an important factors preventing globalization. Based on

Nowadays, we are familiar with visiting and

the precondition of respecting the culture and

studying abroad as well as imitating the UN General

tradition of every countries and districts, we shall get

Assembly, during which students from different

together to discuss solutions on such issues as human

countries could introduce their cultures and

rights, poverty and technology, thus to realize

experience exotic atmosphere. The world we are

globalization. With no military forces in a

living is like a colorful and beautiful village.

Nowadays, there are exotic cultures around us.

During the May Day Festival, Dongying City held the Yellow River Delta International Marathon. The session attracted tens of thousands of athletes from home and abroad gathered in the City. After finishing my marathon race, I became a volunteer providing English language service for the athletes. One team made of 8 foreigners impressed me most. The members of the team were united for their love of sports. During our discussion, I asked them about their opinion on China. I was deeply impressed by the words of an Ireland aunt: China and Ireland, to some extent are the same for there are buildings of

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 67

The 3rd Youth Essay Contest’s Award Receivers

What I felt from the culture exchange with Korean students [JAPAN]

Soda Hazuki 2nd Grade, Izumo Nishi High school

country’s spirit which values our nation’s law and

similar vocabularies, Korean is certainly more

rules. I believe that the Constitution itself is

difficult to master, especially the pronunciations.

important since it only coveys the right values.

However, I find learning Korean more fun than Japanese. If I am confident that by taking more

After the cleaning up the beach, we rode our bus

Korean classes at the Institute of International

for our next schedule which was noodle-making.

Exchange in Shimane Prefecture, I will be able to

Although the process was slightly different from the

write in Korean. The meetings taught me that I

Japanese way, it was still very meaningful since all of

should not hesitate in taking on challenges and tell

the students cooperate with each other. It was also

myself that ‘I will never know, if I don’t try it’

fun since we got to show off how much we

instead of telling myself that ‘I probably not be able

improved in making noodles since last year. While it

to do it.’

was important for the noodles to be tasty, cooperation and building stronger ties among the

I am currently a member of the ‘Inter-act’ club at

students was very critical. I think that the

my high school. I find participating in this club to

relationship between Korea and Japan will become

be very meaningful since I have many opportunities

deeper if the youth cooperate with each.

to serve and help other people. I believe I have

This being the second time the culture exchange occurred with Korea, we had This meeting was a successful event for cultural the opportunity to revisit the ‘earthly exchange. The experiencing cooperation with the environmental issues’ again. With the ‘One for all, all for one’ spirit will certainly prove to new way of international exchange be an important source of one’s strength in life. developed, middle and high school students from Japan and Korea are able As the program was coming to an end, I have to meet and communicate with each found great respect for Koreans. It was very other. With hardly any experience before, cleaning up litter on beaches was a great fascinating to find how passionately Koreans can work whenever they had to produce results since and meaningful time for me.

gained the strength to overcome any future hardships

they were usually were quite laid back most of the

but also saw the problems between Korea and Japan

time. I was reminded of the cool-headed, proactive,

from another perspective. I also expect more

and energetic nature of Korean students.

exchanges between the two countries to happen in

While cleaning the beaches, we came across vast amounts of trash such as empty bottles and cans.

Most of the trash drifted in from Japan and Korea.

in my life by serving others.

Obstacles are bound to appear in my life however I will not easily give up. Instead I will face them by having self-confidence and strong belief in my current self. People’s judgement is not that important to me because I am the one who determines my life, not others. Through this meeting, I was not only reminded of all the things that I needed to improve,

the upcoming future.

I admire the positive attitude of Korean people. I was very impressed when I found some Korean

We sorted through all of the trash to pick out the

students who know how to speak Japanese. For

dangerous ones. It was certainly pleasing to witness

orientations, all of us had to introduce ourselves and

the beach became a much cleaner beach after we had

that was when I learned about the fact that some

completed our work. Now, I find the culture

Korean students were studying Japanese. This struck

exchange is only possible since everyone has the

me as something which Japanese students should

right to enjoy a life pursuant of health and culture.

learn from Korean students. I also want to learn and study more of Korean so that I can communicate in

As a Japanese citizen, I am very proud of my

Korean. Regardless of both languages sharing

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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The 3rd Youth Essay Contest’s Award Receivers

Dream Search through Cultural Exchanges [KOREA]

Eom Yoon-ju 3rd Grade, Gyeongju Girl’s High school

I experienced something which I cannot forget still today. I was sent to China as the first participant of the Korea-China Youth Special Exchange Program in 2014. As president of the international exchange activities club, I was becoming interested in such exchange programs.

While preparing for the club’s upcoming year, I learned about the program and it certainly caught my attention. I eventually applied for it.

Our activities were largely focused on experiencing

Gyeongju. This allowed me to find another aspect of

the Chinese culture. Each time we visited colleges,

myself and to gain more self-confidence. Through

we watched all kinds of shows ranging from the very

this program I was able to take a step closer to my

renowned Chinese opera to the performances of the

dreams. The second change was about the notion of

minority groups. Another element which drew my

‘coexistence of diversity’. It is also a value which I

interest in the program was the city of Beijing and its

strive to live for in my life. While watching over fifty

mesmerizing image. If Dailan was simply modern

ethnic groups perform in China, it occurred to me

and urban, Beijing seemed to possess both tradition

that perhaps China strikes us as so mesmerizing was

and modern livelihood. From Tiananmen, the

primarily due to its vast cultural diversity and the

Olympic Stadium could be easily spotted nearby,

unique energy and beauty from each group. I also

along with several tall skyscraper luxurious hotels

noticed that Chinese people are proud of their culture,

and marketplaces in the streets of Beijing. Of all the

and I assumed that it came from the long history of

architecture, I especially liked the palace as it was

China. Now I am convinced that the engine for economic

displayed its very own beauty as well as conveyed

development may come from the ‘possibility from

the long history of the palace. Overall, I couldn’t

the diversity.’ As each country develops this sentiment

help but be amazed at the sites wherever I visited in

of value towards diversity and have an attitude of

China since I could find both similarity and difference

understanding, the world will become a better place,

in some sense from Korea.

I believe.

As anticipated, our time to communicate and meet

Furthermore, I started having questions about

face-to-face with people was the best experience out

coexistence on earth. Although the physical barriers

of the entire trip. Our encounters with the Libuyang family in Benxi, a local village in Dailan, as well as

were rid of between nations, there still exist invisible divisions in the 21st century. Sometimes these invisible

with the students from Dalian University of Foreign

divisions may results in tensions that escalate into

Languages and Beijing International Studies

serious problems such as wars or terror. As a youth, I

We scheduled to spend our first day in Seoul for

University, and even the people whom we merely

began to wonder about the ways I can contribute to

training, and then spend following eight days in

bumped into were all very precious. We were very

the mission of keeping world peace and bringing

China. There was much preparation involved. The

grateful since everyone we me was nice to us and

prosperity? Having participated in the cultural exchange,

team traveling to China had to research day and

showed great interest in our home country.

night to complete the group assignments, and read

I believe that the answer may just be to foster a ‘mutual understanding’ based on tolerance and right

multiple books in order to understand the Chinese

Our encounters with the local people of China

view on history. Recently, the relationship between

people better. I personally met a friend who is

made me realize that borders are merely just lines on

Korea and Japan has been too quite negative mainly

currently studying in China and talk about China and

a map which outlines the physical dimensions of

because of the differing views upon history. In times

Korea. I also read the book ‘Jungle Manli (the Great

nations. I felt a deep conviction about the important

like this, more efforts need to be made in improving

Jungle)’, and developed a strong interest in the

of communicating with other and accepting which

the relationship. To do so, the both countries may try

change and development of China prior to the actual

was very meaningful and delightful. Perhaps this is

to increase the occasions of exchanging their culture.

visit. China was more dynamic and grander than the

the reason why I felt so happy even on the flight back

Through cultural exchanges without pursuing only

book.

to Korea, or in Gyeongju, my hometown, whenever

one’s own interest, the shared mindset to coexisting

I relived the memories of this trip to China.

as one body of ‘North East Asia’ is equally important

The first destination which our team visited was

as opening up to one another through culture exchanges.

Dalian in Liaoning Province. The event organizing

The China trip was meaningful not only because I

By extending invitations of cultural exchanges to

team welcomed us an opening dinner. That evening,

made friends overseas, but also since my experienced

other nations of China, Japan, Mongolia and Russia,

we were warmly welcomed with a speech and

a change in the why I think. The first change was

it may just enhance the Northeast Asia’s identity as a

spectacular performances. In response, our team

about dealing with challenges. Having brought up at

united community.

performed break-dancing and Korean traditional

a famous tourist destination in Korea, I always had a

dance performances.

vision of traveling the world. Switching between my poor English and Chinese, I introduced my hometown,

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 67

The 3rd Youth Essay Contest’s Award Receivers

Foreign Culture Exchange [MONGOLIA]

Baasankhuu Nominerdene 12th Grade, School #2, Ulaangom

I would like to share about the things I experienced through foreign culture exchange. I think of culture as an accomplishment of human beings. I also believe that culture is what recreates human beings. It is an important element that sustains society and a valuable gemstone that has been preserved for generations.

Three years ago, I have spent seven days during

We soon became close with the Russian friends.

I was awarded the first prize on Russian Language

There was a time to perform each other’s art and

Olympiad held by the Republic of Tuva, and earned

culture. To show the Mongolian culture we have

the ticket to visit Kyzyl city. Because I wanted to

served dairy foods to the Russian friends, and

learn more about the social economy of Russia, I

performed songs and dances in our traditional

visited the national museum of the Republic of Tuva

costumes. We also introduced Uvs Aimag (Province)

and was able to get much information about Tuva

and Mongolia, and had a quiz show, ‘Who knows

and Russian history and culture.

Mongolia well?’ and the Russian students actively participated. I also recited a poem named ‘My

Even though our schedule in Tuva was short, it

Hometown” by Natsagdorj, a famous poet in

was still long enough to learn about the country. I

Mongolia, in the Russian language. The Russian

find it very important to actually go to places in order

students also performed a show. Despite the

to acquire the first-hand experiences. I would like to

language barriers, we could unite through art and

also suggest to the friends of my age. We need to

culture.

learn about each other since we are living on the same planet. Ever since my friends and I participated

Other than art performances, various programs

in this camp held in Russia, we have been frequently

were prepared, and one of them was Sports

making trips to Russia to participate in other summer

Competition. We played basketball, volleyball,

camps. You can have a wider world perspective by

pingpong, and shooting games. While we were at the

meeting and communicating with students from

camping area, we went hiking to Ergaki Park, we

other countries and cultures from an early age. Learning

walked along the hunter’s way and got to learn how

through meeting new people at an unfamiliar place

to hunt and save the nature as we try living in their

can be considered as an important investment to

houses and huts.

enlarge one’s insight and knowledge. We are willing

the summer vacation at youth camp in Tushkanchik located in Ergaki, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Russia with

to learn about culture, history, economy and society As our time at the camp was coming to an end, all

two teachers and fifteen students coming from Uvs

the camp participants became so emotional to leave

Province, Mongolia.

Russia, some of us cried while we have our Russian friends hugs.

As we arrived, we were served with some bread

of many other countries. Since we have big dreams, we strive to learn more about new things.

Lastly, I would like to recommend to my country’s fellow youth to learn as much as they could about

and salt, this was a Russian tradition for receiving

Now, I would also like to share my experience of

other nation’s history, culture, economy and society,

VIP’s. And for few more days, we were able to see

traveling Kyzyl city, Republic of Tuva in Russia.

to set goals to become successful in the future and

and learn more interesting things.

Since Uvs Province of Mongolia shares the boarder

take action to achieve these goals.

with Republic of Tuva, there are many exchanges in The camping area was surrounded by very

various fields.

beautiful nature. It was very interesting to see how Russian people greeted each other. Every night, they played disco music for Mongolian and Russian students to get closer by dancing together. The students also played many games.

Once my friend and I were standing when two Russian students sitting beside us got up from their seats, smiled and gave up their seats for us. We were touched by their attitude because, in Mongolia, it is not as common to give up one’s seat to the sameaged people as to the old.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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The 3rd Youth Essay Contest’s Award Receivers

Protecting the Environment in Northeast Asia as Remembering its Importance [RUSSIA] Alina Arepyeva 10th Grade, Asian Language Middle School #4

‘A war against smog’ by taking actions for

from the sidelines. Students from my school often

environmental protection; reduction of old cars

make the time to discuss about the environmental

emitting much of harmful substance; building

protection issues with other students in China and

electric plants that use natural gas.

South Korea. We believe that fate of our planet is in our hands!

Serious problems which are threatening the Asia-

August 6 (Hiroshima) and 9 (Nagasaki) are the

Pacifc countries are water contamination and

memorial days for the atomic-bomb victims. Since

decreasing of necessary resources which are

August 1, 1964, the memorial flame for the victims

biologically valuable. After an accident at a chemical

has been burning at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

plant in Jilin, located in Northeast China, in 2006,

The tragedy of this city in Japan has given the

industry waste containing benzene compounds has

lessons to people. A piece of mosaic showing

been flowing from Songhua River into Amur River.

‘Nuclear-Free Earth’ has been placed on the wall in

“In the times of hardships, listen to the nature. A silent world rather than unecessesary words will bring you peace”

This is a case that environmental disaster taken place region in Russia. Specifically, ever since Amur River

The major environmental problems that Japan

The earth not only dies because of atomic bombing

has been contaminated, various species of fish in the

currently faces is radiation. The aftermath of

but because of people’s ignorance and carelessness.

If people remain ignorant and careless towards the

Khabarovsk College of Industry for years.

in other countries can directly influence the far east

region are disappearing nowadays.

Russia and China is jointly monitoring and

Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster has been lasting over 40 years. Contaminated substances from

earth, there might come a big natural disaster. If we

researching on the water quality in order to solve the

Fukushima flew into groundwater, then into the

keep pressing the earth to make a living space for all

problem. Academic conferences are also held to

ocean, and caused a serious marine pollution. The

of the organisms, we might eventually break the

promote the regional cooperation for environmental

Japanese Government has committed to providing a

system that the nature has made. Environmental

preservation as scholars from Khabarovsk Territory,

lifelong medical examination for the victims of

protection is the responsibility of many nations,

Russia and Heilongjiang Province, China are

Fukushima. Nuclear power plants emit radioactive

peoples and generations. I would also like to insist to

gathering. In Korea, people use activated-sludge-

waste unceasingly and the condition of water tank is

the people living in the Northeast Asian countries

process and take two terms of refining to maintain

monitored every day.

including China, South and North Korea, and Japan

cleanliness of water.

that we shall worry about the ecosystem of this area.

South Korea is well-known for its advanced

Human beings are not mere observers but a part of the nature. People cannot exist without the sunlight,

‘Green Technology.’ Specifically, plants that use

soil, water, animals and plants. The citizens of

Toxic smog, water supply decrease, radioactive

hydrogen fuel cells are built and the first Carbon

Khabarovsk may have seen young people in the

contamination, desertification, and forest declination

Neutral Forest in Korea is formed that enables the

street wearing green t-shirts with the print of

are considered to be the main environmental

nature remain clean over 10 years. A team of

“Environment Protection Activist”. They are

problems of this region. For example, Russia and

Chinese scholars have been jointly running a project

associates to the Center of youth for environmental

China are cooperating in order to solve the problems,

called ‘Eco-friendly City’ in cooperation with Russia.

such as river contamination, desertification, and forest reduction, along their borders. Recently,

Some scholars have said that the environmental

China’s Xie Zhen Hua, Division Head of Ministry of

problems can be solved with the government’s

Environmental Protection, has stated that “the rate of

intervention and help from international society. I

contamination of nature has been gradually getting

think the governments and scholars need to pay

worse these days.” China’s thermal power plants that

attention to the opinions of environment protection

burn through coal have been major cause behind

activists. For example, in China, an international

China’s air pollution and global warming. Large

group of biologists are doing a research on the

number of automobiles cause harms to the

environmental protection.

environment because the air is polluted by the thick layer of gas. The Chinese scholars have proclaimed

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 67

protection that often pick up the trash on street or in Amur River. An important responsibility for today’s

We, as young students, do not want to only “watch”

youth may be a wise use of environmental resources encompassing conservation of nature and soil.

The 3rd Youth Essay Contest’s Award Receivers

Paintings by Alina Arepyeva

Let’s remember the tragedy from atomic bombing in Japan!

Let’s save the earth altogether!

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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Feature Report

Contribution by Dispatched Officials

My Life in Korea

Contribution by Dispatched Officials As of the end of March, two dispatched officials from each member country who have been taking an important role in the NEAR secretariat will return home. Mr. Matsuo Shuichiro from Shimane Prefecture, Japan and Ms. Groo Iana from Altai Territory, Russia are sharing their experiences and impressions on the Secretariat as working in NEAR.

Matsuo Shuichiro

Dispatched Official from Shimane Prefecture, Japan

In Honor of the Director-General Kim Sang-gil In March 2015, a meeting was held for Japanese member regions and NEAR Secretariat to exchange opinions in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. I attended that

(1) Decreasing of the participation rate to the meetings and events; (2) Projects without permission of the other member regions; (3) Lack of Transparency in finance; and (4) Inefficient ways of holding events burdening high cost.

meeting as a representative of NEAR Secretariat. At the meeting, the DirectorGeneral Kim Sang-gil deeply empathized with many of the issues and problems of NEAR discussed.

Adding to that, a lack of prior communication is another issue to consider. For example, because meeting agendas were not discussed enough prior to the

After the NEAR Delegation came back to the secretariat office from the meeting,

meetings, the attendees often felt unclear or confused during discussion time. For

the then Director-General Kim held a meeting among the Secretariat staff and

the future development of NEAR, we the Secretariats shall follow the examples

delivered the minutes and shared his own opinions to the rest.

of Director-General Kim and take problem solving more seriously and make

Japanese member regions still see the then Director-General Kim with very high

improvements.

regards for his willingness to take responsibilities and make immediate changes when facing problems; However, he only worked for a short term of six months at

As of March this year, my term as a Dispatched Official to NEAR will end. I

NEAR. It was very impressive for all of us in the Secretariat to see that even at

would like to deliver my thanks to all NEAR Secretariat members that have been

the farewell party, he passionately stressed that NEAR shall keep trying to solve

great co-workers, especially to Secretary-General Jun Jae-won and the Japan

the problems it faces.

Expert Lee Myeong-eun. To Jigok, Pohang, I would also like to give my compliments for being a wonderful place to live and work in. I personally believe

Still there are some issues which Director-General Kim addressed but are not

that a living environment as excellent like here would be very difficult to find in

yet solved. At the 10th Working Committee Meeting, held in Irkutsk, in October,

both Korea and Japan. Once again, I would like to deliver my gratitude to the

2015, Shimane Prefecture in Japan presented on the following topics and

people of Pohang City, Geongsangbuk-do Province in South Korea for being a

solutions:

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 67

‘sweet home’ for my family for two years.

Contribution by Dispatched Officials

Ivan Bunin, a famous Russian Author, once said that “A man is made happy by three things: love, interesting work and the opportunity to travel.”

Much like this, I was surprised with a very special opportunity to work in South Korea at an international organization. The thought of living in a unfamiliar foreign country for a whole year was certainly exciting. Now looking back at the

Groo Iana Dispatched Official from Altai Territory, Russia

year, I find that I have gained many priceless experiences.

How can I express the feelings that I had when I was sent to Korea without knowing any Korean and had to live there? Well it certainly felt like I had experienced a second birth however it even noticing it. Situated in an environment that is filled a unfamiliar language, I felt as if I had become a child and needed to go back to school to relearn everything.

My first impression of Korea was very good. I was very impressed by its excellent infrastructure, modern and futuristic architecture, the beauty of nature, people’s living standards, and a clean and comfortable environment. The most remarkable and impressive success of Korea was its ability to rebuild and sustain its fast economic growth after the devastating war with the North.

While working at the secretariat, I was able to visit important historical places and come across the local culture. I visited Korea’s old temples, buildings, traditional home and unbelievably picturesque national parks.

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Contribution by Dispatched Officials

My year in Korea, I was not only about learning how to eat with using chopsticks but also about experiencing Korean people’s entire lifestyle and personalities There are Dispatched Officials who were sent from Japan, china and Mongolia working at the secretariat’s office. Whenever I have conversations with them, I felt as if I was like reading new books. That is because all of them have their own mindsets, visions, and cultures. To be honest, it was rather challenging to work and live in Korea. Such challenges, however, taught us to be more accepting and understanding. Working in a team with such cultural diversity requires a lot of hard work on top of play. Moreover, in order to produce be successful results, daily efforts to understand each other

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 67

Contribution by Dispatched Officials

is a necessity. The key here is not communicating in the same language but rather establishing a common goal and having everyone invest a lot of effort toward that goal.

In a few months, I will be returning back to Russia with many precious experiences and insights. In Korea, I have gained precious experience, widened my perspective, and acquired new knowledge and technology.

Furthermore, I have made friends from many different countries whom I can boast about for hours on. They have helped me to grow more spiritually and become wiser.

I am truly grateful to NEAR and the secretariat office for granted me this opportunity and welcoming me. Furthermore, I deeply thank all members regions for their support and cooperation. I wish you all peace, happiness, love and prosperity!

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments (37668) 3F Pohang Technopark, #394 Jigok-ro (#601 Jigok-dong), Namgu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ROK T. +82-54-223-2318 F. +82-54-223-2309 E-mail near@neargov.org Website www.neargov.org