Tainan Mayor donates to Kumamoto quake relief as Japanese delegation visits

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che has pledged a personal donation of NT$100,000 to aid reconstruction efforts in Kumamoto, Japan, following a recent devastating earthquake. The announcement came during a meeting with a delegation from the Youth Division of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) at Tainan City Hall.

The delegation, led by LDP Youth Division Chairman Masaru Numata, comprised 81 members, including nine Japanese members of parliament, several local assembly members, and youth party officials. Mayor Huang expressed gratitude for the LDP Youth Division's consistent support for Taiwan and highlighted Tainan's establishment of a "0728 Japan Kumamoto Disaster Relief Project." He hoped his donation would inspire more citizens to contribute to the affected region's recovery.

Mayor Huang noted that several of Tainan's sister cities, including Uto City, Kikuchi City, and Koshi Town, are located within the earthquake-stricken areas of Kumamoto. He recalled Japan's assistance to Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2016 Meinong earthquake, emphasizing the deep bond of mutual support that has developed over the years. Tainan currently boasts 22 sister city relationships with Japanese municipalities, the highest among Taiwanese counties and cities, a fact that deeply impressed the visiting delegation.

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Tainan has always remembered Japan's outstretched hand during the pandemic and the 0206 earthquake. The two sides have supported each other for many years, establishing a deep friendship. We look forward to continuing to deepen city exchanges in the future and promoting youth interaction through study tours, sister school cooperation, and sports events, so that friendship can be passed down from generation to generation.

Masaru Numata conveyed his appreciation for the Tainan City government and its citizens' concern and support for the Kumamoto disaster victims. He affirmed that mutual aid during times of crisis forms the most precious foundation of Taiwan-Japan friendship. Numata also pointed out that both Taiwan and Japan share universal values such as freedom and democracy, leading to a close bilateral relationship. He pledged that the LDP Youth Division would continue to serve as a bridge for Taiwan-Japan exchanges, fostering more local cooperation and deepening bilateral ties.

The visit underscored the enduring friendship between Tainan and Japan, with plans to further promote youth interaction through study tours, sister school collaborations, and sports events, ensuring the friendship is passed down through generations. Numata, grandson of former Prime Minister Kiichiro Hiranuma, is a three-term member of the House of Representatives and holds significant positions in pro-Taiwanese parliamentary groups, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to fostering Taiwan-Japan relations.

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Mutual aid during disasters is the most precious foundation of Taiwan-Japan friendship. Taiwan and Japan share universal values such as freedom and democracy, and the relationship between the two sides is close. Tainan actively promotes city diplomacy and currently has 22 sister cities in Japan, the most among Taiwanese counties and cities, which is very impressive. The LDP Youth Division will continue to serve as a bridge for Taiwan-Japan exchanges and promote more local cooperation to deepen bilateral friendship.