The Japan Foundation will boost cultural ties with Southeast Asian countries, including increased support for Japanese-language lessons and enhancing art and cultural exchanges, its president said Thursday.
The public organization will set up an institution next month to be called the Asia Center to boost exchanges during the seven years leading up to the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, Japan Foundation President Hiroyasu Ando said at a news conference at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.
"Japan needs to promote cultural relations with Asian countries," Ando said. "We'd like to enhance interactive exchange on an equal footing with them, respecting their identities and giving care to diversity."