The cultural relations between Japan and Germany in the domains of medicine, jurisprudence, literature, music, etc. have always been particularly close. In the recent past the general relations of the two countries to each other have become even closer especially since the conclusion of the Anti-Comintern Pact.
When in September this year the German Government proposed to the Japanese Government the conclusion of an agreement upon which the further consolidation and expansion of their cultural relations should be based, the Japanese Government gladly accepted the proposal. The conclusion, after a short negotiation, of the agreement on cultural cooperation concluded and put into force today is heartily welcomed as another token of the friendly relations so happily connecting Japan and Germany. The agreement is the first of its kind put into force by Japan. It clearly affirms in its preamble that the characteristic features of the cultures of both countries shall be the basis of the future cooperation of the two Governments in promoting their cultural relations. The agreement itself gives the general principles to be acted upon. Within its scope of the many questions to be taken up, the competent authorities are to come by mutual agreement to determinations on the following points :
1. Establishment of committees for cultural work. 2. Maintenance and expansion of cultural institutions. 3. Recommendation of teachers.
4. Facilities for Government students. 5. Exchange of professors and students. 6. Promotion of friendly relations between organizations of young people. 7. Favourable treatment of schools. 8. Exchange of books and periodicals. 9. Exchanges in the realm of art. 10. Exchange of films. 11. Exchange of broadcasts. 12. Exchanges in the fields of sport and hygiene.