Sapporo Children's Musical Organization (Hokkaido)

The Sapporo Children's Musical Organization has continued original musical theatre activities for a total of twenty years, centered around its members, who are children ranging from the age of three through elementary-school age. Their works enjoy high praise, not only for the sophisticated level of their music, but also from the educational standpoint. The Organization has also made an important contribution to international exchange among children through music with such activities as performance of its musicals in Poland, participation in all types of music festivals, and the carrying out joint performances with Polish children.

Fujisawa International Friendship Association (Iwate Prefecture)

Since 1983, the Fujisawa International Friendship Association has been carrying out an international understanding and education program for pre-school children, elementary school students, junior and senior high-school students, and adults through the extension of invitations to Japan to international understanding program instructors from Australia. It has also contributed to the internationalization of the consciousness of the Fujisawa townspeople and vitalization of the town itself through the carrying out of such exchange programs as homestays. In recent years, the Association has expanded its activities to include such projects as the holding of Japanese-language classes for foreign residents of Fujisawa and the welcoming of student potters from the Fiji Islands to train in the local Fujisawa-ware style of pottery.

Mithila Museum (Niigata Prefecture)

The Mithila Museum has always carried out a broad range of international exchange activities, including the collection and exhibition of Indian folk art from all parts of the country; the extending of invitations to Japan to Indian folk artists; the support of production of new works; and the promotion of exchange between the artists and local citizens. Also, in recent years, the Museum has extended its activities to involve the entire surrounding region through the introduction to India of the Akakura Kagura, a folk performing art from Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, and the holding of performances by elementary school in children in India.