Taoyuan elementary students' painted lanterns displayed in Japan's Natori City

A vibrant cultural exchange is unfolding between Taoyuan, Taiwan, and Natori City, Japan, as painted lanterns created by Taoyuan elementary school students are now adorning the banks of the Natori River. The exhibition, hosted at 'Kawamachi Terrace Natori' from August 22 to November 1, showcases the children's artistic interpretations of their hometown under the theme 'Taoyuan I Most Want to Introduce to Natori Citizens.'

Each lantern is a canvas of local pride, featuring depictions of Taoyuan's scenery, unique characteristics, and heartfelt wishes for their Japanese counterparts. This initiative, spearheaded by the Taoyuan City Department of Tourism, offers a unique window into Taoyuan for the residents of Natori, allowing them to discover the city through the innocent and creative eyes of children.

The collaboration deepens the sister-city relationship established between Taoyuan and Natori in August 2025. Previous exchanges have included mutual introductions of city features, promotional video screenings, and reciprocal visits. Notably, Natori Mayor Shiro Yamada was impressed by Taiwan's Lantern Festival during a visit to Taoyuan, which inspired the use of lanterns as a medium for this current cultural exchange.

The lantern display coincides with Natori City's 'Blue Tourism' initiative, which includes evening barbecue events along the river. Visitors can enjoy the scenic river views and local cuisine while appreciating the colorful lanterns, symbolizing a harmonious blend of culture and tourism between the two cities. Taoyuan's tourism officials plan to continue expanding diverse exchanges in culture and tourism, further strengthening ties between Taiwan and Japan.

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We will continue to expand diverse exchanges in tourism, culture, and civil society with Natori City, allowing more Japanese people to get to know Taoyuan and increasing opportunities for Taoyuan citizens to participate in international exchanges, thereby continuing to deepen the friendship between local cities in Taiwan and Japan.