A Milestone Toward Internationalization: Miyazaki Prefecture Makes Its Debut at Taichung Shopping Festival

TAICHUNG, Taiwan –In a landmark step to deepen bilateral tourism and economic ties, Japan’s Miyazaki Prefecture government has broken new ground by becoming the first Japanese sister city to participate in Taichung Shopping Festival. This historic collaboration introduces a dedicated Miyazaki-themed prize category, signaling a new chapter in cross-cultural exchange between two cities.

To foster industrial and cultural interaction, Taichung City Government had prepared 2 sets of  round-trip tickets between Taipei and Miyazaki and 20 exclusive Miyazaki gift packages as lottery prizes. Recipients, including local residents Mr. Deng and Ms. Hsu, expressed delight at their winnings and reaffirmed their intention to support the event through continued participation.

Miyazaki  Joins Taichung Shopping Festival to Strengthen Sister City Ties

This initiative builds on strong grassroots connections. Following the establishment of a sister-station relationship in 2023 between Japan’s Nichinan Station and a Taiwanese counterpart, citizen-led goodwill paved the way for the 2024 formalization of Miyazaki Prefecture and Taichung City as Japan–Taiwan sister cities with substantive engagement.

Taichung City’s Director General of Economic Development, Chang Feng-yuan, underscored the significance of high-level participation: “The presence of Miyazaki officials at this flagship international event demonstrates both cities’ commitment to leveraging festival-driven economic platforms to establish long-term commercial and cultural linkages.”

Miyazaki Official Impressed by Taichung Shopping Festival’s Global Reach and Exciting Lottery

Arriving in Taiwan on October 31, Tatsuhiro Ikegami, senior staff of International Economic Exchange at Miyazaki Prefecture, remarked on the event’s digital reach: “The global online audience can actively engage, enabling consumption to surge to nearly NT$2.5 billion within days of the festival opening—a truly impressive feat.”

Ikegami highlighted the lottery system as a particularly immersive experience: “The real-time announcement of winners allowed me to personally congratulate fortunate participants. The mechanism was innovative and highly engaging, capturing palpable excitement of the crowd. It is an experience I will not soon forget.” He also expressed gratitude for the Miyazaki-bound airline tickets, noting that they effectively stimulated both travel interest and commercial activity.

Miyazaki in a Box: Curated Gifts for Cultural Immersion

 Economic Development Bureau detailed that 20 Miyazaki gift packages include:

These thoughtfully curated packages have been met with widespread acclaim, aiming to entice Taiwanese travelers to consider Miyazaki as a premier destination for future trips.

Festivities Continue Through Year-End

Economic Development Bureau reminds the public that Taichung Shopping Festival daily cash lottery will run through December 25, with themed weekend events and additional on-site prizes. Participants are advised to download the official “Taichung Pass” app; the earlier receipts are registered after consumption, the greater the chances of winning. For the latest updates, follow the official festival page: https://www.facebook.com/shoppingtaichung/

Advertorial by Economic Development Bureau, Taichung City Government.