【Reported from Kaohsiung】Intent on fostering the relationship and strengthening collaborative efforts between libraries in Japan and Taiwan, a delegation team from Takahashi, Okayama Prefecture, made a return visit to the Kaohsiung Public Library (KPL) on Friday, February 21, 2025, after hosting KPL Director Chin-Yang Lee the previous year at the Takahashi City Library. This visit represented more than just a friendly gesture; it symbolized the enduring partnership between the two institutions in knowledge exchange and cultural growth. Both parties discussed matters concerning reading promotion and cultural exchange in libraries. They shared their experiences organizing and promoting local reading activities, further expanding possibilities for future collaboration.

[Image 1] Guests from Takahashi City explored the International Picture Book Center, basking in the wealth of its rich and diverse picture book collections and taking photos with KPL representatives to commemorate their visit.

The delegation team from Takahashi City consisted of Kimiko Fujiwara from the Destinations Management Organization (DMO) of Takahashi City, an organization dedicated to regional revitalization; Hideo Kishita from the Tourism Division of the Takahashi City Government; Director Masanobu Aihara from the Takahashi City Tourism Association; and Senior Manager Hong-Chie Yan of Tsutaya Bookstore in Taiwan.

KPL representatives welcomed them warmly and took them on a tour of the library facilities, introducing them to KPL’s features, reading promotional programs, and innovative services incorporated in recent years. The two parties also sat down to discuss future collaborations, both excited to further promote the connection between culture and tourism through libraries in the coming years.

[Image 2] Takahashi City Library Director Uemori pre-recorded a video to greet KPL Director Chin-Yang Lee, further enhancing the friendship and future collaboration between the two libraries.

“Libraries are not only palaces of knowledge but also bridges that facilitate cultural exchange,” said KPL Director Chin-Yang Lee. “We’re very happy to welcome our friends from Takahashi City to KPL and to discuss potential plans for the future development and collaboration of our two libraries together. We look forward to future exchange programs that can help both parties expand our collaborative efforts to promote reading, organize cultural events, and market our respective cities. 

[Image 3] A picture of Director Chin-Yang Lee and the Japanese delegation at KPL’s rooftop garden with the 85 Sky Tower, one of Kaohsiung’s most famous landmarks, in the background, symbolizing the everlasting friendship between both parties.

Takahashi City’s DMO representative, Miss Kimiko Fujiwara, said, “This visit has allowed us to see the depths of KPL’s dedication and pursuit of innovation in promoting reading activities and cultural exchange. Libraries have the power to help us foster a close partnership despite the geographical distance between Taiwan and Japan. We look forward to more collaborations with KPL in the future to promote reading as a key medium in international exchange.”

In a warm gesture of friendship, KPL representatives prepared a set of exclusive reading gift bags, which included a special souvenir from the International Picture Book Center, for the delegation team, hoping to introduce them to a unique reading experience.

[Image 4] The Japanese delegation team from Takahashi City visited the Taiwanese Comics Special Exhibition at KPL, learning about the stories behind the creation and development of local comics. The team expressed great interest in Taiwanese comics.