Hualien Shines as a Beacon of Taiwan-Japan Friendship: Koga City Children Send Prayers and Support After Earthquake
(中央社訊息服務20240812 14:56:10) 
Following the devastating earthquake that struck Hualien on April 3, heartfelt messages of concern and support have been pouring in from around the world. Recently, the Hualien County Government received a bouquet and one thousand origami cranes from Mayor Kazushiro Tanabe of Koga City, Fukuoka, Japan, crafted by local children as a gesture of sympathy and solidarity with the victims of the disaster.
Hualien County Mayor Hsu Chen-wei expressed deep gratitude, noting that each hand-written card and meticulously folded origami crane carried with it a warm and unwavering message of hope. She emphasized that in this challenging time, the outpouring of support from international friends, especially from Japan, highlights the strong bonds between the two regions. Hualien is gradually recovering thanks to the joint efforts of both the public and private sectors. The county government has introduced various tourism incentives for domestic and international visitors, and is collaborating with global travel platforms to rejuvenate the local tourism industry.
In a letter accompanying the bouquet, Mayor Tanabe of Koga City expressed that his community has long fostered exchanges with Taiwan to broaden the international perspectives of their children. The earthquake deeply moved them, and the children of Koga transformed their sympathy and support into this heartfelt gesture for Taiwan, hoping their messages would bring strength and hope.
The children’s hand-drawn cards, shaped like Japan’s national flower, the cherry blossom, were bundled together to form a bouquet. The cards featured images of “Taiwanese specialties” they were familiar with, such as bananas, xiaolongbao, and bubble tea, along with adorable Japanese cartoon characters. Some of the messages read, “Stay strong, Taiwan! Let’s overcome this together,” “We hope the affected areas can rebuild soon,” and “Stay strong, Taiwan, happiness will come your way!” Many cards even featured encouraging phrases in Chinese like “加油” (Stay strong), “我支持你” (I support you), and “打起精神來” (Cheer up), showcasing the children’s deep love and care for the people of Taiwan.
Mayor Hsu also highlighted that the earthquake has underscored the profound friendship between Taiwan and Japan. Since the disaster, numerous Japanese officials, businesses, and non-profit organizations have reached out with blessings and support. Notable figures such as Lady Dewi, Senator Masako Mori, and Koosuke Fujita, President of the Japan-Taiwan Friendship Association, have all expressed their concern for Hualien. In addition, businesses like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Pacific Industrial Co., and Zensho Group, along with pharmaceutical company Alinamin, have generously donated funds or supplies. Non-profits such as the Japanese Red Cross Society, Peace Winds Japan (PWJ), and various Rotary Clubs across Japan have also actively participated in relief efforts. Moreover, scholars from institutions like Hyogo Prefectural University, Kobe University, and Yokohama City University have provided valuable advice and support for Hualien’s post-disaster reconstruction. Mayor Hsu concluded by reassuring everyone that “Hualien remains as beautiful as ever,” and warmly invited both domestic and international travelers to visit and experience the beauty and warmth of Hualien firsthand.
