With a view to furthering the close relations that exist between the two countries, the Turkish and Japanese governments decided to designate the Year 2003 as the "Year of Turkey in Japan" during the official visit of the then Turkish Foreign Minister to Japan in April 2000. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey was appointed by the Turkish government as the co-ordinating ministry for the preparation of the "Year of Turkey" activities. Within this framework, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs brought together several governmental and non-governmental institutions in Turkey to determine which projects would be included in the "Year of Turkey" activities. A "Turkish Year Committee" was also established in Japan and His Imperial Highness, Prince Mikasa has kindly agreed to be the Honorary Chairman of the Japanese side of the committee. The members of the "Turkish Year Committee" include the Turkish Ambassador, Diet members and senior officials from the Japanese government, as well as some Japanese academicians and high-profile individuals. On the Turkish side, the Turkish Prime Minister is the Honorary Co-Chairman of the Committee. There is great sympathy for the Japanese people in Turkey and the Turkish government attaches utmost importance to its relations with Japan. On 16th January, the then Prime Minister Abdullah Gül, in his capacity as Honorary Co-Chairman of the Committee for "2003, Year of Turkey in Japan," delivered a press statement reiterating the importance Turkey attaches to the successful implementation of this special "Year" in Japan. The soccer World Cup in 2002 contributed greatly to the strengthening of the bonds of friendship between the Turkish and Japanese peoples. The "Year of Turkey in Japan" aims to further enhance these ties in 2003 by offering Japanese people the opportunity to experience a flavour of Turkey in Japan. A wide range of activities will take place throughout the year including historical exhibitions, art exhibitions, folk-dance performances, concerts, displays of Turkish export products and Turkish food festivals, as well as greater Turkish participation in selected international fairs in Japan such as those promoting tourism, etc. Furthermore, Japanese people will be watching more TV programs and reading more articles in the press about Turkey during the "Year". On behalf of the Turkish government and the Turkish people, the Turkish Embassy would like to thank all Japanese authorities, companies and individuals who have kindly and wholeheartedly contributed to the "Year of Turkey in Japan". This "Year" could not have been successfully initiated without the invaluable support and assistance of the Japanese people. "Dance is said to be the art of our age." Mustafa Erdoğan, Art Director-Choreographer "The Fire of Anatolia" is an Anatolian music and dance spectacular that captures the emotions of the people of the Mediterranean. Reminiscent of ancient legends and myths, the dance combines elements of traditional Anatolian dance and aspects of modern dance. Isadora Duncan, who was the first to observe the dance rituals of culturally diverse Anatolia, continues to inspire performers today. "The Fire of Anatolia" group, with its young and talented members, has enjoyed box office success in Istanbul, and also won international acclaim on its world tour. This year the group will perform in Hamburg, Germany, and later plans to visit Japan. The Ottoman Military Marching Band, which accompanied the Ottoman army into battle in the 15th and 16th centuries, is still a popular sight today. The band performs each week at the Istanbul Military Museum and during official ceremonies, recalling the glory days of the Ottoman Empire. Among the instruments played by band members are the Zurna (an oboe-like instrument), the Kös and drums, as well as a number of other percussion instruments. The band, which has been to Japan several times previously, is expected to perform in Japan later this year.