Japanese Mayor Envisions Direct Flight between Songshan and Matsuyama
The delegation led by Matsuyama City Mayor Nakamura Tokihiro arrived at city hall on October 14 The visiting mayor shared his vision of setting up direct flight between Taipei and Matsuyama with Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin.
Hau pointed out that Taipei has an airport called Songshan Airport and an administrative district named Songshan (‘Matsuyama’ is the Japanese pronunciation of ‘Songshan’). He believes that there are many more similarities between the two cities, and the two sides should strengthen cooperation in many areas.
Mayor Nakamura recalled his first trip to Taipei 12 years ago. He clearly remembered the name of the airport and the district. He visited Taipei City three years ago, and the second visit refreshed his impression of this city. The mayor said one of his visions is to create a flight route between Taipei’s Songshan Airport and Matsuyama City’s Matsuyama Airport.
In response, Hau said Taipei is currently involved is discussing the possibilities of direct flight with the respective authorities of Seoul, Shanghai, and Tokyo. If flight between the two “Songshan” airports becomes a reality, he promises to board the first flight to visit Matsuyama.
Matsuyama City is located in Ehime Prefecture on Japan’s Shikoku Island. Nakamura remarked that the major tourist attractions of Matsuyama include its city landscape, literati atmosphere, and historical hot springs. Hau pointed out that Taipei is known for the great cuisine, night markets, Taipei 101, and the invaluable collection of artifacts at the National Palace Museum. He looks forward to creating a win-win situation by encouraging travel and exchanges between the residents of the two cities.
At the end of the meeting, Nakamura presented Hau with a vest symbolizing the friendship of the two cities and a pair of good fortune dolls. Speaker Kikuchi of Matsuyama City Council also presented Taipei’s mayor with an embroidered silk ball.