Kaohsiung and Japan's Mutsu City launch reciprocal tourism plan

Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and Mutsu City in Japan's Aomori Prefecture have officially launched a "Scenic Spot Reciprocity Plan," aiming to boost tourism and cultural exchange between the two cities. The program offers tangible benefits to citizens of both municipalities, encouraging mutual visits.

Under the new plan, Kaohsiung residents who visit two designated attractions in Mutsu City can present identification to receive exclusive original souvenirs featuring Mutsu's mascot, "Muchuran Family." Conversely, Mutsu residents visiting Kaohsiung will receive discounts at five key tourist spots. This initiative aims to foster deeper connections and encourage more citizens to explore each other's cities.

The partnership between Kaohsiung and Mutsu has grown significantly, expanding from educational collaborations to encompass culture, tourism, and urban governance. The reciprocal plan is seen as a key step in this ongoing relationship. Mutsu Mayor Yamamoto Tomoya expressed a warm welcome to the Kaohsiung delegation, emphasizing a "welcome family" sentiment that will extend to all visiting Kaohsiung citizens.

This tourism exchange is complemented by a strengthened educational partnership. The cities have a history of collaboration dating back to 1993 when Kaohsiung's Yangming Junior High School and Mutsu's Kawauchi Junior High School established a sister school relationship. This year, the Kaohsiung Education Bureau and the Mutsu City Board of Education signed a memorandum of understanding to further educational cooperation, with Kaohsiung Industrial High School also becoming sister schools with Mutsu Industrial High School.

Mutsu City's historic Tannabe Night Market featured a special Kaohsiung-themed exhibition, showcasing the Taiwanese city's attractions, cuisine, and culture. Local chefs even traveled to Kaohsiung to learn Taiwanese cooking, bringing authentic flavors to the night market. This multifaceted approach highlights the deepening ties and shared enthusiasm for cultural and economic exchange between Kaohsiung and Mutsu.