Cities require ideals.
If citizens work towards actualizing ideals which are based on an accurate perception
of world affairs, while reflecting deeply upon their own culture, that city will
play a large role in world history. We, the citizens of Kyoto, proclaim this to
be a city of world cultural freedom.
A city of world cultural freedom is one where people from all over the world overcome
differences of race, religion, and social systems to meet together and freely
engage in cultural exchange. Kyoto is a city which has preserved its ancient cultural
heritage and natural beauty for a millennium, but in today's world it is
not appropriate for it to simply bask in the glory of its past and live in isolation.
Kyoto must always continue to create magnificent new forms of culture through
extensive cultural exchange with other countries. We wish to establish Kyoto as
the center of world cultural exchange. From the outset, such an ideal is more
easily put into words than practiced. However, we, the people of Kyoto, vow to
continue with quiet resolve towards this lofty goal. |
Here : Toppage > Main Office Plans of Kyoto City > Declaration of Kyoto as a City Open to the Free Exchange of World Cultures
