Chairman Nakagawa Kiminori of the Kumamoto Prefectural Association of Chairmen of Town and Village Assemblies led a team to visit the Taichung City Government today. During the visit, they are set to tour the Dajia District Office, Tiezhen Shan, and Wenchang Temple, as well as explore the legacy of Shiga Tetsutarō, a Japanese teacher from Tsumori Village, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture, revered as the “Saint of Dajia.” Deputy Secretary-General Lin Yu-hung personally greeted the team and highlighted the friendship exchange agreement signed last year between Taichung's Dajia District and Mashiki Town. He expressed his pleasure in the ongoing exchanges between the two regions in areas like tourism, education, and sports.

Deputy Secretary-General Lin shared that Taichung City maintains vibrant and friendly relations with many regions in Japan. He emphasized that the city government will continue to strengthen these ties. He also highlighted the increased cooperation resulting from TSMC’s recent decision to build a plant in Kumamoto, furthering the connection between the two areas. Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen has specifically given instructions to foster more exchanges with administrative regions in Kumamoto Prefecture. This is Chairman Nakagawa Kiminori's first visit to Taichung, and Mayor Lu has tasked Dajia District Chief Yen Chin-yuan with providing guidance for the visit. Taichung, Taiwan's second-largest city, offers a favorable geographic location, a moderate climate, and an excellent investment environment that draws international investments. Looking ahead, the city hopes to foster even more diverse and closer collaborations. Furthermore, the ongoing 2024 Taichung Shopping Festival offers a chance to enjoy shopping and win exciting prizes, including cash, great cars, and an upscale apartment! Welcome all guests to seize the opportunity.

Chairman Nakagawa Kiminori expressed his thanks to the city government for the friendship exchange agreement signed last year with Taichung’s Dajia District. He also highlighted the exchanges between Tsumori Elementary School in Mashiki Town and Dajia Primary School, which will bring a positive impact of international exchanges on students' development. Reflecting on Mashiki Town's experience with the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, he expressed appreciation for the donations and support Taiwan provided. Following the earthquake in eastern Taiwan this April, Nakagawa offered his condolences to the victims and his sympathies to the affected communities. As part of their visit, the team plans to visit the 921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan, hoping to draw inspiration from how Taiwan preserves earthquake sites and manages the park’s operations.

The friendship exchange agreement between Mashiki Town and Dajia District was made possible due to the contributions of Mr. Shiga Tetsutarō. The purpose of this visit is also to honor and learn about Mr. Shiga’s legacy, while also exploring Dajia District, a place that has actively promoted education, and experiencing its local culture, which will contribute to fostering further exchanges. Furthermore, with TSMC establishing a plant in the nearby town of Kikuyo, a “Taiwan wave” has taken root in Kumamoto, and there is a desire to attract Taiwanese businesses to set up operations in Mashiki Town.

Dajia District Chief Yen Chin-yuan noted that the relationship between Dajia District and Mashiki Town was formed through the influence of the Japanese teacher Shiga Tetsutarō. Active education exchanges are already underway, and there are hopes to expand collaboration in areas such as religion and tourism. Yen emphasized that religion is universal and invited everyone to join the ongoing religious ceremony at the Dajia Jenn Lann Temple. Shiga Tetsutarō, revered as the “Saint of Dajia,” was born in Tsumori Village, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture. He moved to Dajia due to the war and worked as a substitute teacher at Dajia Public School (now Dajia Primary School). In recognition of his educational contributions, Dajia District has preserved his teaching artifacts and photographs at Wenchang Temple to honor his legacy, hoping that this bond will endure.

Today, Deputy Secretary-General Lin, Chief Secretary Ni Chia-chun of the Secretariat, special committee member Liu Chen-tsun of the Civil Affairs Bureau, and Dajia District Chief Yen Chin-yuan attended the exchange event.