Okinawa's Taketomi mayor visits Magong to deepen Taiwan-Japan island ties

Sep 07, 2026

A Japanese delegation from Okinawa's Taketomi Town met with officials in Magong, Penghu, a friendly step that could bring more tourism and business between the two island communities.

  • Taketomi's mayor led a group including town officials, a broadcaster, Japanese-Taiwanese business groups, and Okinawa's Taipei office.
  • Both sides talked about island tourism, local industry, cultural traditions, and youth exchanges.
  • Magong's mayor said both places live off the sea and face the same problems: keeping tourism sustainable, poor transport links, and weak local industry.
  • Local Penghu figures joined in, sharing experience in stone crafts, eco-tourism, study trips, and small-town revival.
  • One delegate, born in Changhua and long based on Ishigaki island, built the well-known "Ishigaki Salt" brand — an example of how island ties can turn into real business.

Outlook: Both sides want more concrete exchanges ahead, likely starting with tourism and cultural projects.

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