Delegates from the three countries meet in Nara, Japan. [Photo provided to Chinaculture.org]

Ningbo's deputy mayor Zhang Minghua and Governor of Jeju Province Won Hee-ryong attended the ceremony.

A series of cultural events will be held in Nara through the year, including food festivals, cultural forums and exhibitions.

The East Asian City of Culture campaign aims to promote cultural diversity in East Asia, enhance cultural understanding between the three countries and build a sense of unity in the region.