Taichung mayor visits Japan to learn about domed stadiums

Taipei, Feb. 24 (CNA) Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) departed for Japan on Monday to focus on city diplomacy and study Japan's domed stadiums to help accelerate the construction of Taichung's own large-scale multi-purpose dome.

Speaking to reporters before her departure, Lu emphasized Japan's significance as a key partner for both Taiwan and Taichung.

The six-day trip marks her first visit to Japan since taking office six years ago. It includes stops in Sapporo, Nagoya and Tokyo, with four days dedicated to official engagements, the mayor of the central Taiwanese city said.

Another key focus is to learn from Japan's domed stadiums, Lu said, adding that her delegation will visit four of them and study their different functions, operational models and financial strategies.

According to Lu, construction of Taichung Arena is currently underway, while the city plans to build yet another domed stadium capable of hosting baseball games and large-scale international performances.