Okayama City has approved to apply for membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

On June 30, Okayama City (in the field of literature) was approved by the Japanese National Commission for UNESCO to apply to UNESCO as a new member city of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, which is implemented by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and open to the public.

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network aims to promote the development of local creative industries and sustainable urban development through international cooperation among cities with creativity at its core. Cities will utilize the Network to exchange knowledge and experience, develop human resources, and cooperate on programs.

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network covers seven creative fields (Literature, Film, Music, Design, Food Culture, Media Arts, Crafts & Folk Arts). 

• June 30: Deadline for applications to UNESCO
• October 31: Announcement of results of selection for membership by UNESCO