World Refugee Day 2003: Japan

High Commissioner Ruud Lubbers and his predecessor Sadako Ogata co-chaired a symposium at the UN house in Tokyo. "International Symposium on Refugees in Africa: Renewed Partnership between Japan and UNHCR" was organised by UNHCR, and co-sponsored by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Japan Association for UNHCR. It was attended by 400 diplomats, foreign government representatives and academics.

A photo exhibition was also held at the UN House featuring refugee youth and African refugees in particular.

A charity art festival, "Through Refugee Eyes", was organised in Yokohama by the Japanese NGO, PeaceTune.org. The two-day event included an African music concert, a movie screening, a charity auction and NGO workshops. The highlight of the festival was an exhibition of photos taken by refugees and returnees in Nepal, Zambia, Kosovo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.