Overview of TICADThe Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) is an international conference which the Japanese government jointly hosts with the United Nations, the UNDP, the World Bank and other organizations under the theme of African development. Held once in every five years since 1993, this is the first time TICAD will be convened in a city other than Tokyo. Over 1,000 participants, including 24 state leaders, from 89 countries (African nations, European and American aid-giving nations and Asian nations) and 47 international organizations, gathered at the third conference held in 2003, making it an international conference of an unprecedented scale in the history of diplomacy in Japan. |  TICAD III (2003) Inquiry on TICAD and support for Africa in general: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Phone: 03-3580-3311 URL: http://www.mofa.go.jp/ |
The fourth conference in 2008 will convene the message "Towards a Vibrant Africa: Continent of Hope and Opportunity", under the themes of consolidation of peace and commitment to environmental issues.
Significance to hold TICAD IV in YokohamaUnder the "Ansei treaties with five countries" signed in 1858 (5th year of Ansei Era), five ports of Yokohama, Hakodate, Niigata, Kobe, and Nagasaki were opened to the USA, Holland, Russia, Great Britain, and France.
Benefitting from the exchanges with these countries, Yokohama has developed to an international city.
Taking the opportunity of TICAD IV, Yokohama is determined to contribute to the development of Africa.
Yokohama will also demonstrate the image of an environmentally-minded city and a creative city, as well as its "power of citizens" to the world.
 Hiroshi Nakada Chairman of the TICAD Yokohama Promotion Committee |
I am most delighted that TICAD IV will be held in Yokohama in 2008. Africa is an element essential to our discussion on global environment, and it occupies a crucial position in the international society and the diplomacy of Japan. The year 2008 marks the 150th anniversary of the conclusion of the "Ansei treaties with five countries". The new exchanges in 2008 with people of many countries, particularly African countries of ethnic diversity with rich cultures and customs, are a valuable and significant opportunity for Yokohama to enhance its internationality. As the host city, Yokohama will fully support the success of the conference, and warmly welcome the visitors through our hospitality events and activities. |
TICAD IV and City Administration
The year 2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of the port of Yokohama.
The City has formulated the "Project Outline to Commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Opening of the Port of Yokohama and the 120th Anniversary of the Commencement of the City Administration".
TICAD IV is taken as part of this Project.
All the citizens of Yokohama will celebrate together the 150th anniversary of port opening.
Taking this opportunity, we will appreciate the achievements of forerunners who laid the foundation of prosperity of today's Yokohama.
We will also ensure the occasions for the young generation of "Hamakko" (Yokohama people) so that they will increase their awareness towards the world, exchange with and contribute to other countries particularly those in Africa and Asia, thus expand new friendly relationships.
Logo
A new logo was designed in celebration of TICAD to be held in Yokohama for the first time.
The new design highlights "Yokohama" as the venue, while placing the traditional TICAD logo in the center.
The frame represents a "window" which connects Yokohama with Africa, or a "square" which symbolizes the conference to discuss African issues in Yokohama.
"Red, green and yellow" colors in the logo are called "African colors", which are often used in African national flags. Red represents the passion or the shining sun, Yellow represents the fertile earth or a hope for peace.
Green represents the woods or the agriculture.
Blue is used for "YOKOHAMA 2008", as approximately 70 % of citizens consider "blue" as the color of Yokohama.
Hideyo Noguchi Africa PrizeThe first award ceremony of the Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize will be held at TICAD IV in Yokohama as one of its important events. The prize is officially named "The Prize in Recognition of Outstanding Achievements in the Fields of Medical Research and Medical Services in Africa, in Memory of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi". The Government of Japan established the prize intended to honor individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements in the fields of medical research and medical services in Africa, thus contribute to the prosperity of mankind and world peace. 100 million yen will be awarded to each winner in two categories of medical research and medical services. Donation from those who agree with the objectives of the prize will be appreciated. |  Hideyo Noguchi (photo provided by Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Association) |
 Bacterial Laboratory |
In the Meiji era, the Nagahama Quarantine Station was located in the current Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama with the objective of preventing cholera from spreading nationwide. The young Hideyo Noguchi (at the age of 22 in 1899) spent about five months there as an assistant port quarantine doctor. During that period, he achieved remarkable results that included identifying plague patients. Today, the Nagahama Noguchi Memorial Park is located where the Nagahama Quarantine Station used to be. In the Park, there stand Nagahama Hall having the recovered appearance of the ancient Office of the Quarantine Station and the bacterial laboratory, which is the only laboratory in Japan closely connected to Dr. Noguchi. Documents are displayed in the laboratory. |
What happens in May 2008, in Yokohama?In May 2008, the whole Yokohama city will take on African colors. The city will host a variety of events related to Africa so that the citizens will feel the continent much more closer. Details will be announced on the city's website.
