Naomi Watanabe energizes Ibaraki-Taiwan cultural exchange at Oarai Aquarium

Thursday, March 14, 2024

On Saturday, February 24, the Ibaraki Prefectural Government hosted a cultural exchange event at the Aqua World Ibaraki Prefecture Oarai Aquarium. The event featured Naomi Watanabe, a renowned Japanese comedian and actress with roots in Taiwan, who has been instrumental as the “Taiwan Ibaraki Advertising Ambassador” in promoting tourism to Ibaraki Prefecture from Taiwan.

Ibaraki Prefecture has been focusing on Taiwan as a key market for tourism since 2022, embarking on a promotional initiative titled “Kaiun (good luck) Ibaraki IBA-LUCKY” to draw visitors. This effort has seen a significant increase in Taiwanese tourists visiting the area, especially since the summer of 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic visitation rates.

The event attracted a diverse group of around 550 attendees, including Taiwanese nationals residing in Japan, Ibaraki’s Vice Governor Masanari Yokoyama, and the duo RYU and YUMA, a Malaysian/Japanese couple based in Ibaraki who run the popular “Ryuuu TV” YouTube channel and acted as the event’s hosts. Additionally, Taiwanese media representatives and influencers were present, contributing to the event’s success and fostering further interest in Ibaraki Prefecture as a tourist destination.

Ms. Watanabe also took the stage in a costume inspired by a prefectural specialty, melons. “Today I visited ‘Oarai Isosaki-jinja Shrine’ for its health benefits,” she said during a talk session. “Ibaraki’s tourist attraction ‘Ushiku Daibutsu (big Buddha statue)’ is 500 times bigger than you think!” she continued. “Ibaraki’s fruits are extremely delicious. I especially recommend melons, and the ‘cream soda in whole melon’ is excellent.”

During the quiz segment of the event, where all attendees participated, winners were rewarded with local delicacies including strawberries, dried sweet potatoes, and Hitachi beef for their correct answers, contributing to the event’s overwhelming success.

The “Kaiun Ibaraki IBA-LUCKY” campaign has launched a promotional video on its dedicated website to showcase the allure of Ibaraki to the Taiwanese audience. This video, available on the prefecture’s YouTube channel, highlights key tourist attractions, including places considered to bring good luck and culinary delights unique to Ibaraki. A summary of the exchange event will be made available shortly, offering insights into the event’s highlights.

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