| United Nations Information Centre Tokyo | |
| Type: | Information centre |
| Abbreviation: | UNIC Tokyo |
| Leader Title: | Head |
| Leader Name: | Director Kaoru Nemoto  Japan (2013 - present) |
| Status: | Active |
| Headquarters: | New York |
The United Nations Information Center (UNIC) Tokyo, Japan, is based in Tokyo and it's a pivotal institution that serves as a communication arm of the United Nations. Established in April 1958, UNIC Tokyo has been operational for over 50 years, making it the only UNIC in Northeast Asia.[1]
The UNIC Tokyo, or the United Nations Information Centre in Tokyo, serves as a hub for disseminating information about the United Nations to the Japanese public. It facilitates communication between Japan and the UN, promotes awareness of UN activities, and supports cooperation between Japan and the global community on various issues such as peacekeeping, development, human rights, and environmental sustainability. The UNIC Tokyo also organizes events, workshops, and conferences to engage with stakeholders and promote dialogue on global challenges and the role of the UN in addressing them.[2]
UNIC Tokyo plays a crucial role in disseminating information about the various activities of the United Nations. It selects topics of interest to the Japanese people from the flood of information provided every day by the UN Headquarters and distributes them in Japanese.
The centre translates key resolutions and the Secretary-General’s messages for publication through various channels, including websites, e-mail, Facebook, and blogs. It also organizes press conferences and interviews for the Secretary-General and other senior UN officials visiting Japan.[3]
UNIC Tokyo is deeply involved in outreach activities. It provides guidance on visits to the UN and organizes events for middle and high school students. In 2013, the media extensively covered the visit of the UN Outreach Mission, a team of human resource officers from the UN Family, providing recruitment information for Japanese people hoping to work for the UN.[4] [5]
The current director of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Tokyo is Kaoru Nemoto.[6] She has been engaged in a diverse range of activities around the globe. Prior to joining UNIC, Kaoru Nemoto graduated from the Faculty of Law, the University of Tokyo, and worked at TV Asahi. She later studied at Columbia University and earned her master’s degree in International Relations.[7]
The vision of UNIC Tokyo is to represent "the United Nations with a human face". It aims to show the UN not only as an organization but also through the lens of people working for it. The centre is committed to providing clear information, making the most of visual materials including pictures and images.[8]
The mission of UNIC Tokyo is to deepen the interest and understanding of the Japanese people towards the United Nations. It carries out public relations activities spanning the entire range of UN activities.[9]
UNIC Tokyo is a vital institution that bridges the gap between the United Nations and the people of Japan. It plays a significant role in informing and educating the public about the UN's activities and global issues. As the country move forward, UNIC Tokyo will continue to serve as a beacon of global communication, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the United Nations among the Japanese people.[10]