Tokyo is considered the city for art and culture in Asia, while dynamic, open-minded Berlin attracts creative professionals in all sectors from countries far beyond Western Europe. There are countless places in both cities that might be called “laboratories of the future” developing visions for tomorrow: new styles in fashion, innovative music, and creative technologies. As a result, the young creative scene is also an engine powering the economic future of both Tokyo and Berlin.
This is the starting point for our city partnership activities, which are currently being expanded even further in the area of contemporary culture. Berlin and Tokyo have enjoyed an official partnership since the signing of a joint declaration by the Governing Mayor of Berlin and the Governor of Tokyo in May 1994, but we have worked together even longer on individual projects. Relations in various areas have since developed and evolved at different speeds.
An exchange of information and experience in the areas of urban development, environmental protection, public administration, education, business, and tourism has taken place for many years now, for instance. Dealing with an aging population - a major concern for both cities - has been the subject of a number of visits by groups from Tokyo.
Both cities boast an interesting museum landscape, along with opera houses and concert halls; cooperation has been and continues to be undertaken in this area, too. Joint projects have been realized, and some partner institutions are still engaged in close cooperation.
The excellent transportation systems in both cities are also the frequent topic of visits by official delegations. As one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas, Tokyo of course faces challenges that differ from Berlin’s; still, both parties have profited from sharing their experience on specific issues.
The Tokyo Marathon and the Berlin Marathon each hold great fascination for the people of the other city. Athletes from Berlin and Tokyo regularly take part in the other city’s race, and strong ties have developed over time. This also applies to football for young people. Youth teams from Berlin and Tokyo visit each other regularly for international football tournaments.
Along with school partnerships, Berlin and Tokyo are also united by long-standing, close partnerships in the area of science and academics. Universities in Berlin, as well as non-university research institutes, have engaged in countless cooperative projects and exchanges with Japan.
You can find out more about planned activities and events under News. Past events are listed under Retrospective.
