Hiroshima City has established sister city and friendship city ties with six cities overseas, and in 2001, designated "Sister and Friendship City Days" in honor of each city. Citizen-initiated exchange events are held around these days each year to further expand inter-city exchange and promote friendship. The Chinese "Chongqing Day" is October 23, the day of the signing of the affiliation agreement and the day of approval by the Hiroshima City Council.
　Last year we held the "Chongqing Day" celebration on October 22.
　This was the first time in three years that the event was held after being suspended for two years due to the spread of the new coronavirus, and approximately 130 visitors came to the Hiroshima City International House, the venue for the event.
　At the entrance of the venue, visitors were welcomed by chrysanthemums donated by Chongqing City, which are carefully nurtured at the Hiroshima Botanical Garden. Inside the venue, panels introducing Chongqing, donated items, and animal exchange activities were displayed. In addition, a Chinese quiz corner, a Chinese paper collage and Japanese paper collage, Chigiri-e, experience corner were set up, and many people enjoyed the various experiences.
　The opening ceremony began with an address by Hiroshi Tsukada, Chairperson of the Executive Committee, followed by a video message from the Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui and a message from Chongqing Mayor Hu Henghua.
　Next, Rina Koyama, Hiroshima Messenger, spoke about her experience of visiting Chongqing, as well as the food and places of interest in Chongqing, in an easy-to-understand manner with many photos.
　On the commemorative stage, the audience enjoyed a spectacular Chinese spinning top performance by the Hiroshima University Magic & Juggling Circle, a song with a wish for peace by the members of the NPO Hongqiao Association, and Tai Chi by the Hiroshima Branch of the Japan China Friendship Association, uniting the audience with their performances. The main performance was by world-renowned Erhu player Rongchun Zhao, accompanied by Ayumi Fukumasa on the piano. Many participants said they were moved by the wonderful performance. The event was closed with a raffle of China-related goods.
　It was a good opportunity to provide visitors with information about Chongqing and its attractions, and to deepen their understanding of the city.