The City of Nagoya gained membership in the Creative Cities Network (in the category of Design) under the patronage of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in October 2008.
The Creative Cities Network is certified by UNESCO, an organization which emphasizes the conservation of cultural diversity. This program promotes international partnerships and reciprocal exchanges between cities throughout the world which seek invigoration through the development and strengthening of creative and cultural industries.
The program consists of seven fields which include, craftwork and folk art, design, film, gastronomy , literature, music, and media arts.