Marking the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japanese writer Hitoto Tae, who also serves on the Taitung County Government’s International Affairs Promotion Committee, led a group of 33 cycling enthusiasts from Taiwan and Japan on a nine-day, approximately 900-kilometer ride around Taiwan to express gratitude for Taiwan’s generous support following the 2011 disaster. The group arrived in Taitung on March 9 for a two-day stay, including a visit to Jieda Elementary School in Jinfeng Township, where they were warmly welcomed by the county government and local residents.
When the group arrived at the Taitung County Stadium at 5 p.m., Director Lee Su-chin of the International Development and Planning Department and Director Tsai Mei-yao of the Education Department were there to greet them in person. On behalf of Magistrate April Yao, the directors presented the group with local refreshments and specialty products as a gesture of Taitung’s warm hospitality. Director Lee said Taitung is committed to becoming a more internationally friendly city and expressed hope that Hitoto Tae’s cross-cultural influence would help foster deeper and more meaningful connections. Director Tsai praised the outcomes of the online exchanges between Taiwanese and Japanese schools, emphasizing that the essence of education lies in broadening horizons and giving children the opportunity to engage with the world through exchange. She added that the group’s visit would allow them to experience firsthand the sincerity and warmth of Taitung.
The Taitung County Government said that Hitoto Tae is not only a writer, but also an important advocate for educational exchange between Taiwan and Japan. Since November 2023, with her active support and coordination, Jieda Elementary School in Jinfeng Township and Namaze Elementary School in Hyogo Prefecture have officially launched an “international learning partner” program and held regular monthly video exchanges. Students from Jieda have shared local cultural traditions, including the clothing, songs, and dance traditions of the Paiwan and Rukai peoples, while students from Namaze have introduced experiences such as farming activities and forest concerts as part of their nature education. This cross-national exchange has not only broadened students’ international perspectives, but also left a deep impression of Taiwan’s cultural diversity on Japanese teachers and students.
Hitoto Tae said she hopes this cycling journey will further strengthen the friendship between Taiwan and Japan. The stop at Jieda Elementary School was specially arranged so she could personally deliver a gift prepared by the teachers and students of Namaze Elementary School, a symbol of the schools’ friendship moving from the screen to face-to-face connection and allowing this Taiwan-Japan bond to continue growing in Taitung.
