Japanese Yamaguchi Prefectural Assembly Member Shimada Noriaki Awarded Honorary Citizen of Tainan

(Central News Agency reporter Yang Sui-rui, Tainan, 14th) Noriaki Shimada, a member of Japan's Yamaguchi Prefectural Assembly and chair of the Diet Members' League for Japan-Taiwan Friendship Promotion, has actively promoted exchanges between Tainan City and Yamaguchi Prefecture. Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-cher presented Shimada with the Honorary Citizen Certificate during today's city council meeting, recognizing his contributions.

Mayor Huang stated in his speech that Shimada, formerly Vice Speaker of the Yamaguchi Prefectural Assembly and currently chair of the Diet Members' League for Japan-Taiwan Friendship Promotion, played a key role in establishing the exchange agreement between Tainan City and Yamaguchi Prefecture in July 2023. Exchanges have expanded from official to civilian levels, creating vibrant and close interactions.

Huang emphasized that when Typhoon Danas severely impacted Tainan last year, Shimada immediately initiated a fundraising campaign and personally led a delegation to Taiwan to deliver donations and console affected communities, demonstrating solidarity in times of hardship.

Huang expressed hope that, as an Honorary Citizen, Shimada will continue to support and promote closer ties between Tainan and Yamaguchi, deepening cooperation in tourism, education, culture, sports, and agricultural products. He also hopes this cross-border friendship will be passed on to future generations, remaining strong and enduring.

Shimada stated that since assuming the presidency of the Diet Members' League for Japan-Taiwan Friendship Promotion in 2019—a group initiated by the late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe—he has continuously worked to strengthen friendly exchanges between Yamaguchi and Tainan. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, exchanges have not ceased and have gradually expanded into new areas, achieving many concrete outcomes.

Shimada noted that receiving the Honorary Citizen title is not only a personal honor but also a recognition for the entire Yamaguchi Prefectural Assembly and Yamaguchi Prefecture. He pledged to continue contributing to the development and friendship between Tainan and Yamaguchi.

He also shared that Mayor Huang had arranged for children in Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, to enjoy Tainan's Aiwen mangoes in June, which were warmly received. On this visit, Shimada brought photos from that lunch event and thank-you cards hand-drawn by the children, adding heartwarming memories to today’s award ceremony. (Edited by Lin Shu-hui) 1150714