Introducing our story and track record in the 50 years since our establishment.
Path to creation
November 8th, 1957
“On the Establishment of Facilities such as an International Conference Center in Kyoto”
(Statement by the Prime Minister and opinions of Cabinet members at the Cabinet meeting on November 8th, 1957)
The Prime Minister made the following three remarks, which were agreed by all cabinet members. It was decided that the Chief Cabinet Secretary would take the lead in swiftly formulating specific measures, and that these would be incorporated into the budget for the next fiscal year.
1. Holding various international conferences in Japan from now on would be beneficial to the nation in many respects.
2. In preparing the necessary acceptance arrangement, we would like to focus on Kyoto as well as Tokyo for major
international events in Japan.
3. In order to establish an international conference center in Kyoto, the government intends to allocate a substantial budget
for the next fiscal year.
Source:Excerpt and summary from the “Materials of the Vice-Ministers’ Meeting, November 11th, 1957”
preserved by the National Archives of Japan.
September 15th, 1959
The Cabinet decided to build the international conference center at Lake Takaragaike, Kyoto, for the following reasons.
1. Kyoto is the capital of Japan’s proud history and culture. 2. The city has an abundance of tourist resources, including famous temples and shrines, as well as traditional arts and crafts. 3. The Lake Takaragaike building candidate site has the classic beauty of a Japanese garden.
November 19th, 1962
A groundbreaking ceremony was held, and land leveling work began.
May 21st, 1966
The Kyoto International Conference Center opened.
Conference History
The Kyoto International Conference Center has held over 18,500 conferences and events since its opening, forming Japan’s international conference history and convention infrastructure.