Dr. Kazuyuki Katayama, Chief Representative of Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, Taipei Office, demonstrated the deep friendship between Japan and Taiwan.

2024 Taichung Shopping Festival is different from the series of activities over the past five years. Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen invited three foreign representatives to participate in shooting promotional videos to attract tourists from around the world. It included the invitation of Chief Representative Dr. Kazuyuki Katayama of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, Taipei Office.

Speaking of inviting representatives to participate in filming, Chief Representative Katayama made his first visit to Taichung City Hall to meet with Mayor Lu in May, where they discussed topics such as Taiwan-Japan friendship, urban development, tourism, arts and cultural activities. Based on the deep trust and friendship between Taiwan and Japan, Mayor Lu invited Chief Representative Katayama to participate in the filming

That was an impressive performance from Chief Representative Katayama, who radiated liveliness. During filming, He didn't need any makeup to look outstanding in the video. Almost every scene was completed in one take in the whole day.

It is worth mentioning, Chief Representative Katayama is a highly effective and professional person. He memorized the entire filming schedule in advance and maintained high efficiency during filming. That helped the filming team accelerate the process. His actions, which embodied the spirit of Japan, are worth learning from.

In this promotional video, Chief Representative Katayama’s Chinese listening and speaking skills are excellent. He communicated fluently with the store owners and city government employees. Furthermore, Chief Representative Katayama demonstrated that the Japanese place great value on societal manners and etiquette in the way they live.

On that day, Chief Representative Katayama and Mayor Lu introduced Taichung's delicious hidden gem restaurants and exciting attractions together, guiding the public to deeply experience Japanese culture in Taichung. The video was set at Kurosen Wagyu Nikugen Japanese restaurant inside the LOPIA supermarket in Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport. After enjoying the wagyu set meal, Chief Representative Katayama highly praised the standards of Japanese restaurants in Taichung City. Mayor Lu responded that she was pleased a renowned, award-winning chef had been recruited by the restaurant.

On the day of filming, Mr. Kuichi, Chairman of Mitsui Fudosan, accompanied Chief Representative Katayama and Mayor Lu as they strolled through the LOPIA supermarket . At that moment, Chief  Representative Katayama saw many Japanese food and introduced them in detail to Mayor Lu, further enhancing the familiarity between Japan and Taiwan.

Lastly, Chief Representative Katayama praised the success of Taichung Shopping Festival under Mayor Lu's leadership and sincerely wished this year's Festival a complete success.

Advertorial by Economic Development Bureau, Taichung City Government