Present at the meeting were those concerned of the field of arts in Japan including the association, officials of the Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) and other Korean persons of the field of culture and arts in Japan.

The meeting heard a congratulatory message from the Korean Society for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries. Then followed speeches.

Deputy Chief Director Tokuji Yanagisawa and Director Ui Takagi of the association, and Vice-Chairman of the Chongryon Central Standing Committee Nam Sung U said the association has made a positive contribution to cultural interchange between Japan and the DPRK over the last four decades.

They expressed concern over the fact that Japan-Korea cultural interchange has been totally derailed owing to the Japanese government's hostile policy toward the DPRK. The cultural and art exchange between the two countries should never be hindered for political reasons, they held.

They expressed expectation that the relations between the two countries will improve, saying that the meeting would be a new starting point for the association and a significant occasion in boosting Japan-Korea cultural interchange.

A performance was given by artistes of the Kumgangsan Opera Troupe of Chongryon and Japanese artistes before a reception.