20th Anniversary of Sister City Ties: Former Hachioji Mayor Kobushi Ryuichi Delivers Lecture, Highlighting Taiwan-Japan Friendship

The city of Kaohsiung and Hachioji City in Tokyo, Japan, marked the 20th anniversary of their friendship exchange agreement. Former Mayor of Hachioji and President of the 'Hachioji-Taiwan Friendship Exchange Association,' Ryuichi Kobushi, visited Taiwan and delivered a special lecture at the Kaohsiung Public Library, sharing the history and outcomes of the two cities' exchanges and witnessing the enduring friendship between Kaohsiung and Hachioji over two decades.

The event attracted many attendees, including Kaohsiung City Council Speaker Kang Yu-cheng, Director Okumasa Masashi of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in Kaohsiung, and Democratic Progressive Party legislator Hsu Chih-chieh.

Speaker Kang stated that since the 2006 alliance, Kaohsiung and Hachioji have achieved fruitful results in culture, education, youth exchanges, and civil interactions. He praised Kobushi for his long-standing promotion of cooperation, both during and after his mayoral tenure, demonstrating deep affection for Kaohsiung.

Director Okumasa noted that the stable and close relationship between Kaohsiung and Hachioji serves as a model for local diplomacy between Taiwan and Japan. Kobushi's continuous efforts in city diplomacy, educational collaboration, and cultural exchange have deepened mutual understanding and laid a solid foundation for Taiwan-Japan friendship.

Kaohsiung Public Library Director Lee Jin-yang expressed gratitude, stating that Kobushi is not only a key promoter of friendship between the two cities but also a valuable international partner. Since the library's main branch opened in 2014, Hachioji City and Kobushi have donated approximately 200 carefully selected Japanese books and funding for book purchases.

During his term, Kobushi facilitated the signing of the friendship agreement. In recognition of his contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations, Kaohsiung City awarded him the title of 'Honorary Citizen of Kaohsiung' in 2012. After leaving office, he founded the 'Hachioji-Taiwan Friendship Exchange Association' to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation through civil initiatives.

The library has also established a special exhibition area on the 3rd floor titled 'Hachioji City and Mr. Ryuichi Kobushi: Exchange Thematic Zone,' themed 'From TAKAO to TAKAO – From Mountain Town to Port City.' It showcases historical exchange records, donated books, and cultural highlights of Hachioji, including Mount Takao, the Hachioji Festival, and local crafts. The exhibition will run until March 2027.