Visit to Shanghai and Suzhou (Apr.8-10, 2004) Governor Hirose met Vice-President Chao Jian Xiong of China Eastern Airlines in Shanghai. During their talk, Governor Hirose pushed to resume operation of the Oita-Shanghai air route at the earliest date possible, and met with a positive response to operate the route again from mid-July. He also made other visits, including those to the Japanese Consulate General in Shanghai and to Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Shanghai. There were exchanges of opinions about economic and other exchanges between Oita and Shanghai, as well as meetings with Oita citizens currently in Shanghai. On top of that, they also took an inspection tour of Canon’s Suzhou factory, which is a model for Oita’s new Canon factory.

The 2nd EU Japan Friendship Soccer (May.15, 2004) A soccer football game between the children of workers of the Delegation of the European Commission in Japan, and selected team of children from Oita under 12 years old, was held at the Big Eye Stadium. The purpose of the game was to promote active exchanges between EU and Japan. Governor Hirose cheered players on, together with Dr. Michael REITERER, Minister of the Delegation of the European Commission in Japan. At the reception after the game, the Governor said in his speech, “It is an honor to continue our exchange activities from last year. I hope we can deepen our mutual understanding through activities like this game, and home-stays.”