Tainan Irwin Mangoes Delight Japanese Schoolchildren in Hofu, Who Respond with Gratitude Art Book

Tainan's mango season is in full swing, and Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che has gifted Irwin mangoes to Hofu City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, allowing schoolchildren to enjoy them during their school lunch. In return, the children created a gratitude art book, symbolizing the deepening friendship between Tainan City and Yamaguchi Prefecture.

The Tainan City Government released a press statement today, noting that schoolchildren from Hofu City created a thank-you art book, which was delivered to Mayor Huang via Yamaguchi Prefectural Assembly member Shimada Noriaki, adding warmth and emotion to the exchange between the two regions.

Mayor Huang emphasized that Tainan is actively expanding its overseas distribution channels. By introducing Irwin mangoes into Japanese school lunches, more children can taste this delicious fruit and share it with their families, potentially driving future purchases. Schools thus become a vital starting point for promoting Tainan's agricultural products.

Huang explained that the mango gifting is not merely agricultural marketing but also a significant act of city diplomacy. Through the Irwin mango, Japanese children learn about Tainan, understand the friendship between the two regions, and help bring high-quality Tainan agricultural products into more Japanese households.

Huang added that Tainan's mango export performance this year has been impressive, with a 41% increase to Japan and over 50% growth to South Korea compared to last year. The city government will continue to deepen international exchanges, enhance the global visibility of Tainan's agricultural products, and achieve a triple win for farmers, industries, and city diplomacy.

According to the city government, the donated Irwin mangoes were used in school lunches at Nakasu Elementary School and Hōfu Municipal Tomi-umi Elementary and Junior High School in Hofu City. The gratitude art book contains children's observations and tasting impressions of the Irwin mangoes, some even including Chinese translations. The art book and photo collection are currently on display at the International Corridor on the 6th floor of the Tainan City Yonghua Municipal Center.