The Japan Media Communication Center (JAMCO) is a foundation established in 1991 to foster mutual understanding between Japan and the rest of the world and to contribute to the development of broadcasting culture by promoting the international exchange of broadcasting media.

One of JAMCO’s most valuable assets is the JAMCO Video Library of Japanese TV programs. Every year, JAMCO selects some of the best TV programs made in Japan and produces international editions of those programs. The JAMCO Video Library now contains 1,471 video titles that are available to broadcasters in developing countries free of charge, through the channels of the Japan Foundation and JAMCO. It goes without saying that airing of excellent Japanese programs of dramas, documentaries and children’s or educational programs greatly contributes to better understanding of Japan in other countries.

We are proud of the JAMCO symposium that we have organized annually since the establishment of the organization. In a time when the influence of television is tremendously increasing in all parts of the world, it is truly significant to provide an opportunity where experts from different parts of the world can exchange ideas and information regarding the TV media.

Following the new format introduced in 2001, the 20th International Symposium takes place on the JAMCO website beginning March 1st, 2012. This year the forum addresses the theme, “The Great East Japan Earthquake: Japanese TV Coverage and Foreign Reception,” for deliberations by media experts from Japan and abroad.

The extraordinary severe East Japan Earthquake of March 11th, 2011 caused catastrophic damages through enormous tsunami and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. How did the Japanese television cover the Earthquake? How did the Asian neighbors receive the coverage? With Professor Yoshihiro Oto of Sophia University serving as moderator and coordinator, the symposium will have discussions through the participation of broadcasters and researchers from each country and region.

Following the keynote address by Professor Oto, the Symposium will proceed to the report on the overseas broadcast of the Earthquake by the Japanese public broadcasting station, the NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation). Specialists from the Republic of Korea and Taiwan are scheduled to give comments on how they received the Earthquake reports and the responses from their respective countries.

The Symposium welcomes the participation of the audience and is open to comments and questions on the reports presented as well as the discussions that take place.

Lastly, we would like to express our deepest condolences for those who lost their lives in the extraordinary severe East Japan Earthquake and to pray for the speedy recovery of the affected areas. Thank you.