From August 30 to September 2, a delegation led by Deputy Director Fujita Seijuu of the Tourism and Sports Department of Chitose (Changchun's sister city), Japan, visited Changchun. During their stay, they were received by Xue Chunzhi, Director of the Changchun Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, and Director General Level Officer (Grade II) Duan Huaxu. The delegation also visited the Changchun City Planning Exhibition Hall, the FAW Hongqi Culture Exhibition Hall, and the Changchun World Sculpture Park to learn more about the city's industrial development and unique features. On September 1, two athletes from Chitose participated in the Changchun Marathon and achieved excellent results.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Changchun and Chitose. This visit, as part of the 20th-anniversary activities, used sports exchanges as an opportunity to strengthen ties and enhance friendly relations between the two cities. Additionally, through on-site visits and face-to-face interactions, the delegation from Chitose gained a deeper understanding of Changchun's economic and social development, laying the foundation for future cooperation in key industries. To further enhance friendly cooperation and commemorate the 20th anniversary, the Chitose Government and its citizen delegation are scheduled to visit Changchun in mid-October.

Building on the existing exchange foundation, the Foreign Affairs Office will make full use of the anniversary activities to enrich the content of sister-city exchanges and promote more cooperation in economy, trade, culture, and other areas.

Chitose, located in the south-central part of Hokkaido, Japan, is home to New Chitose Airport, the gateway to AIRDO. It serves as an important logistics distribution hub and a major transportation hub connecting air, land, and sea routes in Hokkaido. Its main industries include agriculture and animal husbandry, with a focus on the cultivation of crops such as wheat and sugar beets, and the production and breeding of salmon, cattle, pigs, and chickens. It boasts a well-developed manufacturing sector and has established 11 industrial parks. Chitose is known for its excellent water quality and hosts renowned food processing companies like Kirin Brewery and Kikkoman. The city also enjoys rich tourism resources, with the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival held in late January every year being one of Hokkaido's most representative winter festivals.

 

 

 

Source: Division of Japanese Affairs  Editor: Li Ye