To promote a cultural exchange between Korea and Japan, Japan Week has shown Japanese cultural works such as movies, music, exhibitions and traditional art in Korea annually for 13 years. It was held in Gwangju in 1998 at first, and this year was Cheongju's turn. For 6 days of the festival from the 8th to the 13th of November, citizens in Cheongju could experience various Japanese cultural works at one time for free. Chungbuk National University(CBNU), Cheongju Univerity, Chung Cheong University, Cheongju National Museum and Cheongju Cultural Center supported this festival by offering them some space. In the case of CBNU, it was the Gaesin Cultural Center.
'The Beautiful Concert of Mera Yoshikazu', which was held in Gaesin Cultural Center in CBNU, was full of audience and received their loud applause. This concert was held on the 11th of November. Mera Yoshikazu is one of the most well-known Japanese tenors in Korea because of one song, which is the famous O.S.T. of Japanese animation, The Princess Mononoke. Futhermore, four instrumental artists each played piano, guitar, cello and Haegum, which is a traditional Korean instrument, with Mera Yoshikazu for a wonderful stage. After the concert, a beautifully smiling Mera Yoshikazu had an autograph session for his fans.
As more than 10,000 people enjoyed Japan Week by making reservations by phone or online ticketing, Hisada Kazutaka, an ambassador in charge of Japan Week in Cheongju, said that he thanks the citizens of Cheongju, which is known as a city of culture and education, due to their high attendance and support for Japan Week. He also added that he was pleased that more Cheongju citizens came to the festival than he expected.