Hokkaido International Exchange and Cooperation Center

2021
Annual Report

Hokkaido International Exchange and Cooperation Center(HIECC)History of HIECC
The northern regions concept and the establishment of the Northern Regions Center
The northern regions concept was first introduced in 1971 in the Third-term Hokkaido Comprehensive Development Plan(– 1977), a long-term road map for the development of Hokkaido. This concept aimed to improve Hokkaido’s industrial
economy, the lives of Hokkaido residents and its culture and advance local development suitable to the northern region
through exchanges with the United States, Canada and Northern European countries with highly developed cultures inthe same snowy cold climate as that of Hokkaido. As a body to promote this concept, the Northern Regions ResearchCouncil was established along with the aforementioned comprehensive development plan. The council was approved as
an incorporated body in January 1972, and the Northern Regions Information Center was also established in November
1976. These organizations were developmentally reorganized, and the Northern Regions Center (NRC) was launched in
April 1978. NRC developed wide exchange activities that focus on northern regions as a unique international organization
with think tank, data bank and exchange functions. In July of the same year, the Northern Regions Exchange Foundation
was also established to provide financial support to private exchange programs with northern regions.
During the ordinary General Assembly meeting in May 2011, the proposal to revise its articles of corporation for thetransition into a public interest incorporated association was approved, and the Northern Regions Center transitioned intosuch an association on August 1 of the same year, with the approval of the Hokkaido Governor. The name of the Northern
Regions Center was also changed to the Hokkaido International Exchange and Cooperation Center (HIECC for short).
Currently, HIECC is actively developing its programs to realize a rich, vigorous regional society through international
exchanges and cooperation with countries around the world, while fulfilling its social responsibility as a public interest
incorporated association.

Expansion of international exchange and cooperation activities
The marked progress of globalization from the 1990s onward further intensified interdependent relationships in theinternational community, and raised expectations for international cooperation in local communities. While maintaining
existing relationships with northern countries, NRC also partly revised its articles of incorporation in June 1995 to expand the scopeof its activities to other regions. In line with this revision, NRC was entrusted, in April 1996, with the management andoperation of Hokkaido International Centers (Sapporo, Obihiro), which were established by the Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) to accept technical trainees from developing countries. NRC also took charge of the
Hokkaido Government’s project to accept technical trainees. In March 1998, NRC was recognized as a Local International
Exchange Association (one organization for each prefecture or government-designated city) by the Ministry of Home
Affairs (the present Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications) to assume acomprehensive and important role in international exchange/cooperation in Hokkaido. NRC incorporated the HokkaidoInternational Exchange Center for Youth and Women in April 1998, the Hokkaido Overseas Association in July 2006 andthe North Pacific Region Advanced Research Center (NORPAC) in April 2010. To help increase the number of foreign
workers, the Hokkaido Foreign Resident Support Center was also established in August 2019. It is entrusted by the
Hokkaido Government as a Multicultural General Information Consultation One-stop Center for Foreigners to obtain thenecessary information, and have consultations, on immigration procedures and various matters relating to living,
including employment, etc.

As a comprehensive center for international activities
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of its foundation in April of 2008, NRC established a committee to consider the future
direction of NRC. The committee then compiled a report on future goals and activities in response to current demands toposition NRC as a comprehensive center for international activities in Hokkaido.
In the ordinary General Assembly meeting in May 2010, the Northern Regions Exchange Foundation was changed
into the International Exchange Foundation to expand the target areas of exchange programs eligible for financial support
from northern regions to the entire world. In addition, a member system for students was newly established to expand themembership.
In 2018, to commemorate its 40th anniversary, HIECC hosted various kinds of memorial events, including lectures
on international understanding, symposiums and concerts.
Apr. 1971:
Jan. 1972:
Apr. 1978:
Apr. 1996:
Mar. 1998:
Apr. 1998:
Jul. 2004:
Jul. 2006:
Apr. 2010:
Aug. 2011:
Aug. 2019:

History
Northern Regions Research Council established
Approved as an incorporated body by the Prime Minister
Reorganized into the Northern Regions Center
Entrusted with the management and operation of Hokkaido International Centers
Recognized as a Local International Exchange Association by the Minister of Home Affairs
Incorporates the Hokkaido International Exchange Center for Youth and Women
Incorporates the Northern Regions Exchange Foundation
Incorporates the Hokkaido Overseas Association
Takes over the operations of the North Pacific Region Advanced Research CenterTransitions into a public interest incorporated association and changes its name to the Hokkaido International
Exchange and Cooperation Center
Hokkaido Foreign Resident Support Center establishedOrganization
HIECC is a public interest corporation consisting of 575 corporate and individual members as of March 31, 2021,
and has a General Assembly consisting of members and a Board of Directors consisting of directors selected by
the General Assembly.
President (Representative Director), Vice Presidents and Senior Director (Executive Director) are selected by
the Board of Directors. In the system to execute the operations of HIECC, the President controls the operations as
a representative of HIECC and the Senior Director takes his/her share of the operations and executes it.
The Secretariat, which is set as an organization that executes operations, has three divisions – the Administrative,
Exchange and Cooperation as well as Planning and Information divisions, and the Hokkaido Foreign Resident Support
Center belongs to the Exchange and Cooperation Division.

(Organization)
General Assembly
Auditors
Advisors

Sub Organ
Northern
Regions Center

President(Representative Director)
Board ofDirectors

Senior Director(Chief Executive Officer)(Secretariat)

Director-general

Information and
Planning Div.

Exchange andCooperation Div.

(Hokkaido Foreign
Resident Support Center)

Administrative Div.

International Exchange Salon
This salon provides materials
relating to international
exchange/cooperation bodies in
Hokkaido and elsewhere.
Commemorative gifts fromoverseas visitors are also
exhibited.
The International Exchange
Salon is connected to theentrance of the Hokkaido
Foreign Resident Support
Center.
Address: West 7 North 3, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido (Hokkaido Govt. Annex Bldg. 12F)

Advisors and Executive Officers(As of August 1, 2021)
Advisors
Ko Hashimoto
Naomichi Suzuki
Yasunori Obata
Kotaro Yamaguchi
Takao Tanano
Yoshiro Ito
Executive officers
President
Yasuhiro Tsuji
Vice Presidents
Masahiro Sasahara
Ryu Shibata
Vice President and SeniorDirector
Kenichi Takehana
Directors
Takeshi Inoue
Susumu EgashiraShuji Ochiai
Naoki Katsuta
Yoshinori Kato
Koyu Kishi
Ichiro Kuwata
Toru Kobayashi
Sueki Sato
Seiyuki Sato
Tatsuo Shibata
Tadahiko Shimizu
Toshiya Shimozawa
Miho Suzuki
Hideo Seo
Hiroyoshi Dei
Tatsuro Terauchi
Tomoyoshi Michishita
Toshimasa Yasukata
Atsushi Yokota
Takashi Yokoyama
Auditors
Keiichi Ueda
Mizuhiro Takano

Director-general, Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Hokkaido Governor
Speaker, Hokkaido Legislative Assembly
President, Hokkaido Association of City Mayors
President, Hokkaido Association of Towns and Villages
Director-general, United Nations Association of Japan, Hokkaido Head Office

Hokkaido International Exchange and Cooperation Center
Chairman, The Hokkaido Bank, Ltd.
Executive Officer, North Pacific Bank, Ltd.

Hokkaido International Exchange and Cooperation Center
President, Sapporo Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (STV)
Trustee and Vice-President, Otaru University of Commerce
President, Paraguay Association of Hokkaido
President, Hokkaido Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (HBC)
President, Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (UHB)
Executive Director, Sapporo International Communication Plaza Foundation
President, Television Hokkaido Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (TVh)Managing Director, The Hokkaido Shimbun Press Co., Ltd.
President, Hokkaido Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry
Executive Director, Hokkaido Tourism Organization
Executive Director, Hokkaido Association of Towns and Villages
Director, Hokkaido Branch, The Mainichi Newspapers Co., Ltd.
President, Hokkaido Cultural Organization Council
Honorary President, Hokkaido International Women’s Association
Senior Managing Director, Hokkaido Economic Federation
Director-general, Hokkaido Association of City Mayors
President, Hokkaido Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (HTB)
President, Hokkaido Japan-Brazil Association
Chairman, Hokkai-Gakuen
Executive and Vice-President, Hokkaido University
President, Hokkaido Sweden Society
Ueda Keiichi Certified Public Accountant OfficeSenior Director, Hokkaido Sports Association

FY 2020 Business Outline
Holding of Board of Directors and Ordinary General Assembly Meetings
1. 1st Board of Directors meeting, FY 2020
It was deemed completed based on the documentation.
Proceedings:○ Approval of the FY 2019 business report and financial statements○ Adoption of a resolution calling for an ordinary General Assembly meeting
2. Ordinary General Assembly meeting, FY 2020
Date and time: June 23 (Tue.), 2020
Place: Hotel Sapporo Garden Palace
Proceedings:○ Approval of the FY 2019 business report and financial statements○ Approval of the FY 2020 business plan and budget○ Appointment of directors
3. 2nd Board of Directors meeting, FY 2020
Date and time: June 23 (Tue.), 2020
Place: Hotel Sapporo Garden Palace
Proceedings:○ Appointment of the president, vice presidents and senior director
4. 3rd Board of Directors meeting, FY 2020
Date and time: March 24 (Wed.), 2021
Place: Hotel Polestar Sapporo
Proceedings:○ Approval of the FY 2021 business plan and budget○ Approval of discretionary disposition regarding budget amendments○ Approval of delegation of the position of advisor

Promotion of Multiculturalism Community Development
Development of Foreigner-Friendly Communities
1. Operation of the Hokkaido Foreign Resident Support Center (This project was contracted
by the Hokkaido Government.)
With the aim of realizing “Hokkaido chosen by foreigners as foreigner-friendly for work andliving,” the center was established in August 2019 as a Multicultural General Information
Consultation One-stop Center that played an active role as an overall desk in Hokkaido andprovided foreigners with the necessary information and opportunities to have consultations on
immigration procedures and various matters relating to living, including employment. The center
staff consult foreign residents in Hokkaido on various matters of daily living, and in 2020 inparticular, also on unemployment and benefit applications amid the COVID-19 pandemic, while
information on the COVID-19 situation was updated from time to time.
○ System: 4 full-time staff (Director of the Center, Manager, Chief Counselor and Counselor[English])
15 part-time staff (Multilingual Counselors [English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog])○ Corresponding languages: 11 languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese,
Nepali, Thai, Indonesian, Tagalog, Russian, Burmese) *A telephone interpretation system has
also been introduced.
○ Business hours: 9:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 17:00 only on weekdays○ URL: http://hiecc.or.jp/soudan○ Corresponding social media: Facebook, WeChat, Skype, LINE
○ Numbers for consultations: consultants: 2,077, number of consultations: 2,358 cases○ Major countries of consulter○ Major contents of consultations

China

Total
number127

TurkeyTotalnumber0

Taiwan46

Brazil0

Korea
Philippines
Indonesia
Nepal
Sri Lanka

26
65
8
9
0

Peru
Thailand
Viet Nam
Cambodia
Mongolia

0
16
301
1
6

FieldsTotalnumberFieldsTotalnumberImmigration procedures(extension, change, etc.)

511

Birth and childcare

32

Employment and labor

238

Education (schools,
universities, etc.)

16Social insurance andpension137

Japanese learning

38

Taxes

100

Medical treatment

124

CountryCountryCountry
African countries
European countries (U.S.A,
Canada, etc.)
OceaniaJapan
Others (Malaysia, India, etc.)
Unknown
Total

Disaster prevention,
disasters
Housing

Country
Status(marriage,
DV, etc.)
Transportati
on, driver’s
licenses
Interpretation, translation

Total
number
35
586
68
324
137
322
2,077
Total
number
38
251
249

0

Others

571

53

Total

2,358

(1) Holding remote consultation meetings
Consultation services were provided a total of 16 times in various subprefectures in Hokkaido
to have consultations with foreigners.
1. Nemuro
Subprefectural Bureau
3. Ishikari
Subprefectural Bureau
4. Shiribeshi General
Subprefectural Bureau
6. Oshima General
Subprefectural Bureau
7. Kamikawa General
Subprefectural Bureau
9. Iburi General
Subprefectural Bureau
11. Hidaka
Subprefectural Bureau
12. Okhotsk General
Subprefectural Bureau
14. Tokachi General
Subprefectural Bureau
15. Kushiro General
Subprefectural Bureau
16. Ishikari
Subprefectural Bureau

NemuroCity
Ebetsu City

1 personJune 27 (Sat.)

3 persons

July 19 (Sun.)

NisekoTown
Hakodate
City
Higashikawa
Town
Tomakomai
City
Urakawa
Town
Kitami City

4 persons

July 20 (Mon.)

8 personsAugust 1 (Sat.)

6 persons
5 personsObihiro City

0 personKushiro City

12 persons

Chitose City

0 person

2 persons
4 persons

2. Nakashibetsu Town

2 personsJune 28 (Sun.)

5. Kutchan Town

7 persons

July 21 (Tue.)

August 29 (Sat.)

8. Asahikawa City

2 personsSeptember 12(Sat.)
September 27(Sun.)
October 11(Sun.)
October 24(Sat.)
October 25(Sun.)
November 15(Sun.)

10. Muroran City

7 personsAugust 30(Sun.)
September 13(Sun.)

13. Mombetsu City

5 persons

October 10(Sat.)*The remote consultation meetings by mid-June and after December were canceled due to the spread of COVID-19.

Remote consultation meeting (Higashikawa Town)

Remote consultation meeting (Kushiro)(2) Holding holiday consultation meetings
As a new initiative, a total of eight holiday consultation meetings were held for consultations
with foreigners who are not available on weekdays.
1. December 12, (Sat.): 1 person
2. December 13, (Sun.): 0 person
3. January 16 (Sat.) 4 persons
4. January 17 (Sun.): 7 persons
5. February 20 (Sat.): 8 persons
6. February 21 (Sun.): 4 persons
7. March 20 (Sat.): 6 persons
8. March 21 (Sun.) 5 persons

2. Activities as the Multicultural Network Promotion Council
To take specific initiatives to promote the realization of multicultural symbiotic societies, HIECC
built a network of international exchange organizations in Hokkaido and implemented various
projects while working together and cooperating with the organizations.
(1) Implementation of an online multicultural network promotion meeting
An online meeting was held with affiliated organizations on cooperation with the implementation ofprojects related to multiculturism to exchange information and ideas.
 March 2 (Tue.) Participating organizations: 12 members of 9 organizations: Hokkaido International
Foundation, Muroran Institute of Technology Center for International Relations,
Takikawa International Exchange Association, Asahikawa International Center,
International Center, Kitami Institute of Technology, Tokachi International
Association, Kushiro International Friendship Association, Ryugakusei Friendship,
Niseko Promotion Board(2) Multiculturalism enlightenment project
HIECC held lectures at two sites in Hokkaido under the theme of environment building forforeigners to revitalize their communities and to contribute to community development as
members of their communities.
Multiculturalism lecture: “Multiculturalism and community development – from the pointof view of cross-cultural communication”
 Lecturer: Taro Tamura, Representative Director, Institute for Human Diversity Japan November 4 (Wed.), Kitahiroshima
Participants: 59
 November 5 (Thu.), Kutchan Town
Participants: 21

Lecture held in Kitahiroshima

Participants listening to the lecturer(Kutchan Town)

3. Support projects for foreigners in times of disaster(1) Hokkaido nuclear disaster prevention drill for foreign residents
HIECC was entrusted with part of the Hokkaido nuclear disaster prevention drill conducted by
Hokkaido, and conducted a drill to promptly evacuate foreigners residing in Iwanai Town tooutside the urgent protective action planning zone under the assumption of a nuclear accident.
 October 31 (Sat.), Iwanai Town
Participants: 9 foreigners and many Japanese concerned

Staff from Iwanai Town directing evacuation using atranslation machine

Hands-on experience of assembling a cardboard bed(2) Project of multilingual supporters in times of disaster in Hokkaido1) Multilingual supporters in times of disaster in Hokkaido were recruited and registered tosupport foreigners in times of disaster.
Number of registered supporters: 71 (64 the previous FY)
2) Hosting an online lecture
HIECC conducted online training on activities required of multilingual supporters in timesof disaster in Hokkaido, as well as case studies of activities to be performed in the event of
a disaster.
 Lecture: “Support for foreigners in the event of a disaster - based on matters that had tobe taken into consideration in the COVID-19 pandemic”
 Lecturer: Taro Tamura, Representative Director, Institute for Human Diversity Japan February 28 (Sun.)
Participants: 12
 March 13 (Sat.)
Participants: 9

Online seminar attended by supporters from across Hokkaido

(3) Project of multilingual support of foreigners in times of disaster (commissioned by Hokkaido
Government)
As the number of foreign residents who would not be able to communicate in Japanese in theevent of an emergency, such as a disaster, is expected to increase, HIECC strengthened theavailable multilingual support basis in the event of a disaster and developed an environment
where foreigners can live safely and securely.
 Preparation of reports providing information on foreign residents, the status of efforts
by other prefectures and local governments in Hokkaido Arrangement of a support system including network building with local governments invarious parts of Hokkaido
 Preparation of multilingual disaster prevention educational materials
4. Regional collaboration network project (regional multiculturalism meetings)
To promote collaboration between international exchange bodies in each region, HIECC held
information exchange meetings on multiculturalism, international exchange activities andconditions for acceptance of foreigners.
 Asahikawa, November 12 (Thu.), Participants: 18
 Across Hokkaido (online), February 26 (Fri.), Participants: 61
 Across Hokkaido (online), March 4 (Thu.), Participants: 65
5. Hokkaido Multicultural Award commendation program
With the aim of creating a society in which foreign residents in Hokkaido can contribute toregional development and revitalization, HIECC commended organizations that had been
engaged in outstanding activities in various fields, including personnel training, living
environment improvement, disaster prevention, education and regional development.
Organizations selected for Excellence awards:[Kushiro International Friendship Association (Kushiro)]
The group has contributed to the development of an environment where foreigners can live
comfortably as a result of Japanese language support at exchange meetings held in each region,
consultations with foreigners and other similar activities.
 Awards ceremony: March 18 (Thu.), hotel in Kushiro

HIECC Managing Director Echizen awards a certificate
to Ms. Yokoyama, chairperson of the Kushiro
International Friendship Association

Members of the Kushiro International Friendship
Association

Global human resource development for the future
Human resource development to connect with the world
1. Overseas training project (youth exchange project with Heilongjiang)
Although teachers and students from Sapporo Otani University were scheduled to bedispatched to Heilongjiang, China for exchanges through music, the event was canceled due tothe COVID-19 pandemic, and the project was conducted by means of video message
exchanges.

Performance by the students ofHarbin University of Music

Performance by
the students of Sapporo Otani University

2. Project for High School Students to Build Bridges in the world(1) The Project for High School Students to Build Bridges in Asia was canceled due to the
COVID-19 pandemic.
(2) Youth Eco-Forum 2020 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(3) Jeju Youth Forum 2020
The forum hosted by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea, a region in afriendship tie-up relation with Hokkaido to foster future global leaders with aninternational perspective and building a youth network was held online due to the
COVID-19 pandemic and was attended by Hokkaido high school students.
 Period: November 27 (Fri.) – 29 (Sun.) Participants: 4 high school students (a total of 151 students from 22 regions in 9
countries)
 Sessions: 3 preliminary training sessions, 2 follow-up training sessions and a briefing
sessionOnline forum attended byhigh school students across the world

High school students reporting what they have learned
through the forum3. Project to help increase the number of international students
To help increase the number of international students at each university in Hokkaido, HIECC
conducted promotions aimed at related international organizations, universities and students.
 Operation of the promotion website “STUDY IN HOKKAIDO” (http://studyhokkaido.com)
 Publication and distribution of guidebooks for studying in Hokkaido
 Publication of e-mail newsletters to international students who had returned home andscholarship recipients
For international students who had returned home from Hokkaido, HIECC published the email newsletter HIECC Newsletter to provide various kinds of information, such as thepresent situation in Hokkaido and employment, and to further promote an understanding of
Hokkaido. (Issued three times a year)

Promotion website “STUDY IN HOKKAIDO”

Guidebook for international students

4. Implementation of regional exchanges with international students
Foreign students interacted with residents by participating in local events and exchange
activities to promote a better understanding of Hokkaido and disseminate information on theappeal of Hokkaido through social media, etc.
Hokkaido Foreign Student Exchanges in Iburi
 November 7 (Sat.) – 8 (Sun.) Shiraoi and Toyako towns
 International student participants: 21 (from 19 countries or regions)

Ainu patterns embroidery experience in Shiraoi
Town

Commemorative photo with the Upopoy National Ainu
Museum in the background5. International exchange support project for international students
To help increase the number of international students, HIECC has provided grant aid for
privately funded international students at universities in Hokkaido every year. In 2020, students
suffering economic hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic were included in the target of the
grant aid and 50,000 yen was provided to 180 international students.
6. Human resource exchange promotion project with Viet Nam
To promote economic exchanges between Hokkaido and Viet Nam, HIECC conducted various
projects including human resource exchanges in collaboration with the Hokkaido Government.
(1) Exchange party for students from Viet Nam studying at universities in Hokkaido andcompanies in Hokkaido
Holding an exchange party for students from Viet Nam studying at universities in
Hokkaido and companies in Hokkaido commissioned by the Hokkaido Government.
(Exhibition booths and online) Date: February 19 (Fri.) Place: Sapporo TV Tower
 Participants: 35 students from Viet Nam (participants at booths: 20, online
participants: 15), 10 companies in Hokkaido(2) Participation in the economic human resource exchange promotion meeting with Viet Nam
HIECC participated as a member in the meeting set up by the Hokkaido Government.
(Held on paper)

Exchanges with a participating company

Online exchanges also available

7. Registration of everyday goods for support of international students
HIECC asked Hokkaido residents to provide goods (PCs, electrical appliances, etc.) that are
useful for daily living and studying that international students can use to support these students
enrolled in universities in Hokkaido.
Number of registered items in FY 2020: 12 (11 in FY 2019) Handing over: 3 cases

Promotion of International Exchanges
Implementation of various exchange programs with other countries
1. Youth exchange program between Japan and China (repeat)
Based on the “Heilongjiang-Hokkaido Youth Exchange Agreement” made and entered into by
Heilongjiang, China and Hokkaido in 2008, exchanges were conducted under the theme of“music” following the exchanges implemented the previous fiscal year. Since no visits took place
due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HIECC exchanged video messages of performances andcomments in cooperation with Harbin Music Academy and Sapporo Otani University.

Message from the Hokkaido side
(Sapporo Otani University)

Message from Heilongjiang(Harbin Music Academy)

2. Japan-South Korea exchange program
Exchanges involving “mini volleyball,” a unique local sport based on its aging society, have been
conducted under the agreement with Gyeongsangnam-do Athletic Association. In 2020, theprogram was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Grants-in-aid project for international exchanges
HIECC provided grants-in-aid that were used by international exchange bodies in Hokkaido forexchange programs with various other regions in the world to develop the industrial economy andliving conditions in Hokkaido.
 Grants-in-aid record: 1 case, Hokkaido Russia Far East Exchange Program (host:
executive committee), Grant amount: 300,000 yen*In addition, 1 case was declined and 5 cases were withdrawn (due to the COVID-19
pandemic, etc.)
4. Registration of international exchange volunteers
HIECC has registered human resources who are actively engaged in exchange projects
conducted by HIECC, municipalities in Hokkaido, exchange bodies, etc., and dispatch themwhen requested.
 Number of registered volunteers: 36 (36 in FY 2019)
5. Hosting of international delegations in Hokkaido
Although HIECC was scheduled to host a visiting group of descendants of emigrants from
Hokkaido to Brazil (January 2021), the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. Support program for emigrants
To support the operation of associations representing people who had emigrated from Hokkaido
abroad, HIECC provided grants-in-aid.
 Associação Hokkaido de Cultura e Assistência (Hokkaido Association of Culture andAssistance) (Brazil), Argentina Association of People from Hokkaido (Argentine),
Paraguay Federation of Associations of People from Hokkaido (Paraguay), Sakhalin
Association of People from Hokkaido (Russia), Hokkaido Overseas Emigrants Family
Association (Japan)
7. Exchange programs in collaboration with other organizations(1) Culture Night
Participation in the program was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(2) All Japan Chinese Speech Contest, Hokkaido Tournament (co-host with the Japan-China
Friendship Association)
 November 1 (Sun.)
Kaderu 2.7 in Sapporo(3) Sapporo International Night (co-host with the Hokkaido Youth Foundation for Science and Culture)
This project was held as a place for international students from all over the world to givepresentations to Japanese high school students on the history, culture, nature, society,educational circumstances, etc. of each country to promote mutual understanding.
 March 14 (Sun.), Keio Plaza Hotel Participants: 18 international students from 16 countries and 118 Japanese students

Presentation by a student from Canada

Greetings by the host(chairman of the executive committee)(4) International DAY program
To expand exchanges between Hokkaido and overseas sister/friendship tie-up regions, HIECC
hosted culture introduction events relating to the relevant sister/friendship tie-up regions incollaboration with the Hokkaido Government on each date of commemoration of theirfriendship tie-up.
 Gyeongsangnam-do (South Gyeongsang Province), Korea: July 27 (Mon.), DominHall on the 1st floor of the Hokkaido Government Office Bldg.
 Heilongjiang, China (canceled) Seoul, Korea: October 14 (Wed.), 15 (Thu.), Domin Hall on the 1st floor of the
Hokkaido Government Office Bldg.
 Chiang Mai, Thailand: February 25 (Thu.), 26 (Fri.), Books Kinokuniya
 Jointly implemented as the International Exchange Fair: March 8 (Mon.), 9 (Tue.),
Sapporo station underground walkway
 Massachusetts and Hawaii, U.S.A. / Alberta, Canada
 Busan Metropolitan City and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Korea / Sakhalin
State, Russia

Chiang Mai in Thailand (at Books Kinokuniya)International Exchange Fair
(at Sapporo Station Underground Community Plaza)(5) Regular international exchange lectures (co-host with the Hokkaido International Women’s
Association)
Lecturers from all over the world were invited to learn about different cultures including
Japanese culture. This program was held for the purpose of deepening mutual understanding,broadening the international perspective and contributing to world peace and a prosperous
international society through the lectures.
July 30 (Thu.)
September 17 (Thu.)
November 9 (Mon.)
January 26 (Tue.)“South Korean home cooking using Hokkaido
ingredients”“Sapporo- Novosibirsk, Russia 30th Twinning
Anniversary Program – far but familiar Novosibirsk”“The Load of Unity in Diversity – India, the country ofdiversity and harmony”“What makes New Zealand special?”

34 participants
30 participants
17 participants
24 participantsSouth Korean home cooking using Hokkaido ingredients (at Kaderu 2.7)

Promotion of International Cooperation
1. Participation in the training projects of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)HIECC was entrusted with partial training projects with JICA Hokkaido International Center(Sapporo), and coordinated curriculums and training courses with training implementation
organizations. Since the training in Japan was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic thisfiscal year, video training materials were created, and online remote training was conducted.
PeriodJan. 11 – Feb. 18
Dec. 1 – Mar. 10
Feb. 15 – Mar. 19

Training course name
Issue-specific training, “Road Maintenance Management (E)” –held online
Issue-specific training, “Comprehensive Engineering on Water
Supply Systems (B)” – Creation of video training materials only
Issue-specific training, “Road Infrastructure Management System”– held online

Trainee
14 trainees
4 trainees

ZOOM online training for the Road MaintenanceManagement (E) course

2. Hosting trainees from overseas
HIECC continued to provide technical training to two descendants of emigrants from Hokkaido
living in South America (Argentina and Paraguay), who could not return to their homes due tothe COVID-19 pandemic, as technical trainees and hosts a new trainee from Brazil from this FY
to provide technical training.
 Trainee: 1 (Brazil)
 Institutions for training: CHOWA GIKEN Corporation (development of an automaticconversation program, Chatbot, by utilizing AI)*The scheduled hosting of trainees from Paraguay was canceled.

A trainee from Brazil making a speechat the completion ceremony.

3. Project to host international students who are descendants of former emigrants from
Hokkaido abroad
To promote South America exchanges, HIECC hosted descendants of former emigrants from
Hokkaido abroad as international students to support their education.
 Number of international students: 1 from Brazil
 University: Department of Electronics and Information Engineering, Faculty ofEngineering, Hokkai-Gakuen University (Development of IoT technology using drones)

Presentation on the research results
4. Publication of the “Deai” information magazine on international cooperation
To introduce international cooperation and developing countries as well as the programs andactivities implemented by HIECC and other international exchange/cooperation organizations in
Hokkaido, HIECC published the Deai information magazine on international cooperation. It was
published two times during the year and released on the website (Vol. 88, 89).

Promotion of International Mutual Understanding
1. Convening a lecture on international understanding
Although the delivery of lectures was planned to promote international understanding among
members and Hokkaido residents following the general meeting, it was canceled due to the
COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Convening northern regions seminars
To learn the accumulated information of the industrial economy and living culture of northerncountries and to exchange information on community development, HIECC held a series of three
online seminars this fiscal year taking prevention of the spread of COVID-19 into consideration.
(1) 1st Seminar: August 27 (Thu.), Zoom online seminar, simultaneous release on YouTube
 Theme: “Consider the measures against COVID-19 in Sweden”
Lecturer: Kazuhiko Kawasaki, professor emeritus, Tokai University
 Participants: approx. 60
Sponsors: Hokkaido Sweden Society, Swedish Center Foundation, Hokkaido Finland
Society(2) 2nd Seminar: December 12 (Sat.), Zoom online seminar Theme: “Learn tips about the new normal from the measures against COVID-19 in
Sweden”
1) “Measures against COVID-19 in Sweden”
Lecturer: Ayako Miyakawa, doctor, Karolinska Institute2) “Measures for the clinical environment in Hokkaido during the COVID-19 pandemic”
Lecturer: Satoshi Takahashi, Professor, Department of Infection Control andLaboratory Medicine, Sapporo Medical University
 Participants: approx. 60
 Sponsors: Hokkaido Sweden Society, Swedish Center Foundation, Hokkaido Finland
Society(3) 3rd Seminar: March 20 (Sat.), Zoom online seminar Theme: “Consider the future of Hokkaido, the post-COVID-19 Future of Hokkaido inview of the lifestyle in Finland”
Lecturer: Juha Saunavaara, Assistant Professor, Hokkaido University Arctic ResearchCenterYuko Shimomura, Vice President, Japan-Finland Society
Laura Kopilow, Embassy of Finland in Tokyo
 Participants: approx. 50
Sponsors: Hokkaido Government, Embassy of Finland in Tokyo, Hokkaido Finland
Society, Hokkaido Sweden Society, Swedish Center Foundation
3. North Pacific Region Advanced Research Project
Online seminars were held by related domestic and foreign researchers on important themes
related to politics, economy and diplomacy in Northeast Asia.
(1) Seminar on the international situation (Japan-Russia Economic Seminar 2020), December 21(Mon.), Zoom online seminar Theme: “Expansion of COVID-19 and Russian economy - prospects for future JapanRussia economic exchanges -”Lecturers: Shinichiro Tabata, Professor, Slavic-Eurasian Research Center, Hokkaido
University
Daisuke Saito, Manager of Moscow Office, Japan Association for Tradewith Russia & NIS (ROTOBO)
Tetsuya Urata, Manager of the Hokkaido Sakhalin Representative Office Participants: approx. 70
Co-hosts: Hokkaido Government, Russia Kyokutouken, Slavic-Eurasian ResearchCenter of Hokkaido University (SRC)
Sponsors: Consulate-General of the Russian Federation in Sapporo, Sapporo City,
Sapporo International Communication Plaza Foundation, The Sapporo
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, The Hokkaido Shimbun Press, North
Pacific Bank, The Hokkaido Bank
(2) The 9th “International symposium on the Northeast Asia situation in consideration of Hokkaido”
March 15 (Mon.), Zoom online seminarTheme: “From Trump to Biden - considering the Northeast Asia strategy of the United States”
Lecturer: Mitsuhiro Mimura, Senior Research Fellow of the Economic ResearchInstitute for Northeast Asia, President of the Association for Northeast Asia
Regional Studies
Hyunjoo Naomi Chi, Associate Professor of Graduate School of Public Policy,
Hokkaido University
Tomohiko Kawaguchi, Associate Professor of Nihon University College ofInternational Relations, Deputy Director-General of the Association for
Northeast Asia Regional Studies
Participants: approx. 50
Sponsors: Hokkaido Government, Russia Kyokutouken, Slavic-Eurasian ResearchCenter of Hokkaido University (SRC)

4. Consular Exchange Promotion Projects
Although the members of the Council of the Foreign Consular and Trade Offices in
Hokkaido share information and cooperate to promote economic, educational and cultural
exchanges between Hokkaido and other countries through various projects, all events,
including the general meeting, International Week and school visit project, were canceled in2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
5. Hoppoken magazine, annual report, Hoppoken special edition
HIECC published this edition of its magazine with a timely international theme relating to
Hokkaido and distributed it to members and international exchange bodies in and outside
Hokkaido.
○ “Hoppoken” Vol. 188, published in September○“Hoppoken” Vol. 189, published in March○ Hoppoken extra edition of the 2020 annual report
The Hoppoken extra edition jointly carried the annual reportfor FY 2020 to publish business reports, etc.

6. International information network system
Information on international exchanges and the like was collected and accumulated via the internet
and widely disseminated. The businesses of HIECC and related organizations were announced andreported on-time on Facebook.
 Access number to the website: April – March, monthly average: 3,200
URL: https://www.hiecc.or.jp/index.html

Top screen of the HIECC website

Top screen of Facebook of HIECC

In addition, due to the influence of the spread of COVID-19, a large monitor was prepared in thespecial conference room to hold an online conference, seminars, etc., to arrange an online
conference system.

Zoom online conference

Viewing the speaker and the presentation materials
on different monitors

7. Research study and collection of resource materials
HIECC participated in various projects relating to economic exchanges to conduct studies and tocollect information, and transmitted the study results in the Hoppoken magazine and its website.
1) “Investigation of the impact of the spread of
COVID-19 on foreign human resources in
Hokkaido”
In response to the spread of COVID-19, theimpact of the situation on foreign humanresources, including technical intern trainees
and foreign students studying Japanese, wasinvestigated as commissioned by JICA
Hokkaido as an urgent follow-up survey ofthe “Survey on the Current Situation andIssues of Foreign Human Resources in
Hokkaido” conducted by JICA Hokkaido in2019.
 Survey period: April - July Survey target: technical intern training
supervisingorganization,
administrative agencies,
companies, etc. (inHokkaido)

2) “Domestic case study of economic exchanges with Siberia”
As commissioned by METI Hokkaido, HIECC investigated and analyzed mainly domestic
cases of economic exchanges between local cities in Japan and Russia that can be used as areference for the further expansion of economic exchanges between Hokkaido and Siberia, andwidely released the results to companies in Hokkaido.
 Survey period: January - March Survey target: administrative agencies and companies, etc. that have experience of
exchanges with Russia, companies, etc. (in and outside Hokkaido)

International Sister/Friendship Partners with Municipalities in Hokkaido
Municipality(1) Partner municipalities(2) Country / Region(3) Affiliated year(4) Type of partnership(As of April 1, 2020)
Sapporo(1) Portland(2) U.S.A. / Oregon(3) November 17, 1959
(4) Sister city
(1) Munich(2) Germany / Bayern(3) August 28, 1972
(4) Sister city
(1) Shenyang(2) China / Liaoning(3) November 18, 1980
(4) Friendship city
(1) Novosibirsk(2) Russia / Novosibirsk State(3) June 13, 1990
(4) Sister city
(1) Daejeon(2) Korea(3) October 22, 2010(4) Sister city
Hakodate(1) Halifax(2) Canada / Nova Scotia(3) November 25, 1982
(4) Sister city
(1) Vladivostok(2) Russia / Primorsky Region(3) July 28, 1992

(4) Sister city
(1) Lake Macquarie(2) Australia / New South Wales(3) July 31, 1992
(4) Sister city
(1) Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk(2) Russia / Sakhalin State(3) September 27, 1997
(4) Sister city
(1) Tianjin(2) China(3) October 18, 2001
(4) Friendship exchange city
(1) Goyang(2) Korea / Gyeonggi-do(3) August 1, 2011(4) Sister city
Otaru(1) Nakhodka(2) Russia(3) September 12, 1966
(4) Sister city
(1) Dunedin(2) New Zealand(3) July 25, 1980
(4) Sister city
(1) Gangseo-gu, Seoul(2) Korea(3) July 22, 2010(4) Sister city
Asahikawa(1) Bloomington(2) U.S.A / Illinois(3) October 11, 1962(4) Sister city(1) Normal(2) U.S.A / Illinois(3) July 7, 1987
(4) Sister city
(1) Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk(2) Russia / Sakhalin State(3) November 10, 1967
(4) Friendship city
(1) Suwon(2) Korea / Gyeonggi-do(3) October 17, 1989
(4) Sister city
(1) Harbin(2) China / Heilongjiang(3) November 21, 1995
(4) Friendship city
Muroran(1) Knoxville(2) U.S.A / Tennessee(3) January 16, 1991
(4) Sister city
(1) Rizhao(2) China / Shandong(3) July 26, 2002
(4) Friendship city
Kushiro(1) Burnaby(2) Canada / British Columbia(3) September 9, 1965
(4) Sister city
(1) Kholmsk(2) Russia / Sakhalin State(3) August 27, 1975
(4) Sister city

Obihiro(1) Seward(2) U.S.A / Alaska(3) March 27, 1968
(4) Sister city
(1) Chaoyang(2) China / Liaoning(3) November 17, 2000
(4) Friendship city
(1) Madison(2) U.S.A / Wisconsin(3) October 25, 2006
(4) Sister city
Kitami(1) Elizabeth(2) U.S.A / New Jersey(3) June 12, 1969
(4) Sister city
(1) Poronaysk(2) Russia / Sakhalin State(3) August 13, 1972
(4) Friendship city
(1) Jinju(2) Korea / Gyeongsangnam-do(3) May 16, 1985
(4) Sister city
(1) Barrhead(2) Canada / Alberta(3) July 4, 1991
(4) Sister city
Yubari(1) Fushun(2) China / Liaoning(3) April 19, 1982
(4) Friendship city

Iwamizawa(1) Pocatello(2) U.S.A / Idaho(3) May 20, 1985
(4) Sister city
(1) Canby(2) U.S.A / Oregon(3) July 19, 1989
(4) Sister city
Abashiri(1) Port Alberni(2) Canada / British Columbia(3) February 9, 1986
(4) Sister city
(1) Nam-gu, Ulsan(2) Korea(3) April 27, 2012
(4) Friendship exchanges
Rumoi(1) Ulan Ude(2) Russia / Buryat(3) July 5, 1972
(4) Sister city
Tomakomai(1) Napier(2) New Zealand(3) April 22, 1980
(4) Sister city
(1) Qinhuangdao(2) China / Hebei(3) September 1, 1998
(4) Friendship city
Wakkanai(1) Nevelsk(2) Russia / Sakhalin State(3) September 8, 1972
(4) Friendship city(1) Baguio(2) Philippines(3) March 20, 1973
(4) Sister city
(1) Korsakov(2) Russia / Sakhalin State(3) July 2, 1991
(4) Friendship city
(1) Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk(2) Russia / Sakhalin State(3) September 9, 2001
(4) Friendship city
Ashibetsu(1) Charlottetown(2) Canada / Prince Edward Island(3) July 1, 1993
(4) Sister city
Ebetsu(1) Gresham(2) U.S.A / Oregon(3) May 20, 1977
(4) Sister city
Akabira(1) Samcheok(2) Korea / Gangwon-do(3) July 18, 1997
(4) Friendship city
(1) Miluo(2) China/ Hunan(3) September 30, 1999
(4) Friendship city
Mombetsu(1) Newport(2) U.S.A / Oregon(3) April 8, 1966
(4) Sister city(1) Korsakov(2) Russia / Sakhalin State(3) January 12, 1991
(4) Sister city
(1) Fairbanks(2) U.S.A / Alaska(3) February 8, 1991
(4) Sister city
Shibetsu(1) Goulburn Mulwaree(2) Australia / New South Wales(3) July 3, 1999
(4) Sister city
Nayoro(1) Kawartha Lakes(2) Canada / Ontario(3) August 1, 1969
(4) Sister city
(1) Dolinsk(2) Russia / Sakhalin State(3) March 25, 1991
(4) Friendship city
Nemuro(1) Sitka(2) U.S.A / Alaska(3) December 19, 1975
(4) Sister city
(1) Severokurilisk(2) Russia / Sakhalin State(3) January 27, 1994
(4) Sister city
Chitose(1) Anchorage(2) U.S.A / Alaska(3) April 21, 1969
(4) Sister city(1) Kongsberg(2) Norway / Buskerud(3) August 31, 1988
(4) Friendship city
(1) Changchun(2) China / Jilin(3) October 11, 2004
(4) Friendship city
Takikawa(1) Springfield(2) U.S.A / Massachusetts(3) August 7, 1993
(4) Sister city
Fukagawa(1) Abbotsford(2) Canada / British Columbia(3) September 14, 1998
(4) Sister city
Furano(1) Schladming(2) Austria / Steiermark(3) February 23, 1977
(4) Friendship city
Noboribetsu(1) Saipan(2) U.S.A(3) November 20, 2006
(4) Friendship city
(1) Faaborg-Midtfyn(2) Denmark(3) June 10, 2007
(4) Friendship city
(1) Guangzhou(2) China / Guangdong(3) November 15, 2012
(4) Friendship city

Eniwa(1) Timaru(2) New Zealand(3) February 13, 2008
(4) Sister city
Date(1) Lake Cowichan(2) Canada / British Columbia(3) October 6, 1989
(4) Sister city
(1) Zhangzhou(2) China / Fujian(3) April 7, 2010
(4) Friendship city
Ishikari(1) Campbell River(2) Canada / British Columbia(3) October 24, 1983
(4) Sister city
(1) Vanino(2) Russia / Khabarovsk Region(3) June 3, 1993
(4) Sister city
(1) Pengzhou(2) China / Sichuan(3) October 24, 2000
(4) Sister city
Naie(1) Hausjarvi(2) Finland / Häme
(3) April 1, 1995
(4) Friendship city
Kamisunagawa(1) Sparwood(2) Canada / British Columbia(3) September 23, 1980

(4) Sister city
Numata(1) Port Hardy(2) Canada / British Columbia(3) September 3, 1994
(4) Sister city
Tobetsu(1) Leksand(2) Sweden / Dalarna(3) October 5, 1987
(4) Sister city
Rankoshi(1) Saalfelden(2) Austria / Salzburg(3) October 15, 1969
(4) Sister city
Kutchan(1) St. Moritz(2) Switzerland / Graubunden(3) March 19, 1964
(4) Sister city
Shakotan(1) Seaside(2) U.S.A / Oregon(3) May 17, 1966
(4) Sister city
Yoichi(1) East Dunbartonshire(2) United Kingdom / Scotland(3) November 11, 1997
(4) Sister city
Sobetsu(1) Kemijarvi(2) Finland / Lapland(3) May 22, 1993
(4) Friendship city

Shiraoi(1) Quesnel(2) Canada / British Columbia(3) July 13, 1981
(4) Sister city
Shinhidaka(1) Lexington(2) U.S.A / Kentucky(3) July 21, 1988
(4) Sister city
Nanae(1) Concord(2) U.S.A / Massachusetts(3) November 15, 1997
(4) Sister city
Setana(1) Hanford(2) U.S.A / California(3) August 11, 1991
(4) Sister city
Takasu(1) Gold Coast(2) Australia / Queensland(3) November 18, 1995
(4) Sister city
Kamikawa(1) Rocky Mountain House(2) Canada / Alberta(3) June 21, 1984
(4) Sister city
Higashikawa(1) Canmore(2) Canada / Alberta(3) July 12, 1989
(4) Sister city
(1) Rujiena

(2) Latvia(3) July 17, 2008
(4) Sister city
(1) Aniva(2) Russia(3) September 18, 2019(4) Sister city
Kamifurano(1) Camrose(2) Canada / Alberta(3) September 5, 1985
(4) Friendship city
Shimukappu(1) Aspen(2) U.S.A / Colorado(3) August 29, 1991
(4) Sister city
Kenbuchi(1) Palcamayo(2) Peru / Junin(3) July 6, 2011(4) Sister city
(1) Tarma(2) Peru / Junin(3) September 28, 2015(4) Sister city
Shimokawa(1) Kenora(2) Canada / Ontario(3) February 16, 2001
(4) Friendship city
Bifuka(1) Ashcroft(2) Canada / British Columbia(3) July 23, 1994
(4) Friendship city

Embetsu(1) Castlegar(2) Canada / British Columbia(3) June 21, 1989
(4) Sister city
Teshio(1) Homer(2) U.S.A / Alaska(3) April 7, 1984
(4) Sister city
(1) Tomary(2) Russia / Sakhalin State(3) July 28, 1992
(4) Friendship city
Sarufutsu(1) Ozersky(2) Russia / Sakhalin State(3) December 25, 1990
(4) Sister village
Esashi(1) Solleftea(2) Sweden / Vasternorrland(3) November 4, 1996
(4) Sister city
Bihoro(1) Cambridge(2) New Zealand / Waipa(3) October 12, 1997
(4) Sister city
Tsubetsu(1) Ershui Township(2) Taiwan(3) October 8, 2012
(4) Friendship city
Kiyosato(1) Motueka

(2) New Zealand / Tasman(3) September 7, 1997
(4) Friendship city
Saroma(1) Palmer(2) U.S.A / Alaska(3) October 28, 1980
(4) Sister city
Engaru(1) Bastos(2) Brazil / São Paulo(3) October 18, 1972
(4) Sister city
(1) Moirans-en-Montagne(2) France / Jura
(3) May 22, 1998
(4) Sister city
Yubetsu(1) Whitecourt(2) Canada / Alberta(3) July 17, 1998
(4) Friendship city
(1) Selwyn(2) New Zealand(3) July 14, 2000
(4) Friendship city
Okoppe(1) Stettler(2) Canada / Alberta(3) June 26, 1990
(4) Sister city
Shikaoi(1) Stony Plain(2) Canada / Alberta(3) August 26, 1985
(4) Sister city

Memuro(1) Tracy(2) U.S.A / California(3) August 5, 1989
(4) Sister city
Taiki(1) Dashu, Kaohsiung(2) Taiwan / Changhua(3) September 1, 2015
(4) Friendship exchanges
Hiroo(1) Frogn(2) Norway / Akershus(3) October 22, 1996
(4) Friendship exchanges
Ikeda(1) Penticton(2) Canada / British Columbia(3) May 19, 1977
(4) Sister city
Toyokoro(1) Summerland(2) Canada / British Columbia(3) June 11, 1996
(4) Sister city
Honbetsu(1) Mitchell(2) Australia / Victoria(3) September 15, 1991
(4) Sister city
Ashoro(1) Wetaskiwin(2) Canada / Alberta(3) September 15, 1990
(4) Sister city
Rikubetsu(1) Lacombe

(2) Canada / Alberta(3) July 5, 1986
(4) Sister city
Akkeshi(1) Clarence(2) Australia / Tasmania(3) February 9, 1982
(4) Sister city
Teshikaga(1) Shangqiu(2) China / Henan(3) September 17, 2005
(4) Friendship exchanges(1) Bincheng, Binzhou(2) China / Shandong(3) October 21, 2005
(4) Friendship exchanges(1) Sishui(2) China / Shandong(3) October 21, 2005
(4) Friendship exchanges
Shiranuka(1) Wulai, New Taipei City
(2) Taiwan(3) July 14, 2017
(4) Friendship exchanges
Betsukai(1) Wasserburg(2) Germany / Bayern(3) May 10, 1979
(4) Sister city
Reference
Hokkaido(1) Alberta(2) Canada(3) October 17, 1980
(4) Sister city partnership(1) Heilongjiang(2) China(3) June 13, 1986
(4) Friend city partnership(1) Massachusetts(2) U.S.A(3) February 7, 1990
(4) Sister city
(1) Sakhalin State(2) Russia(3) November 22, 1998
(4) Sister city partnership(1) Busan(2) Korea(3) December 14, 2005
(4) Friendship exchanges(1) Gyeongsangnam-do(2) Korea(3) June 7, 2006
(4) Friendship exchanges(1) Seoul(2) Korea(3) October 15, 2010
(4) Friendship exchanges(1) Chiang Mai(2) Thailand(3) February 26, 2013
(4) Friendship exchanges(1) Jeju Special Self-Governing Province(2) Korea(3) January 12, 2016
(4) Friendship exchanges(1) Hawaii(2) U.S.A(3) May 8, 2017
(4) Friendship exchanges

Consulates(1) Name(2) Address(3) Tel(4) Establishment(1) Consulate-General of the United States of America in Sapporo(2) Kita 1-jo Nishi 28-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0821 Japan
http://sapporo.usconsulate.gov/(3) +81-11-641-1115, +81-11-641-1116, +81-11-641-1117(4) June 1952
(1) Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea in Sapporo(2) Kita 2-jo Nishi 12-chome 1-3, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0002 Japan
http://jpn-sapporo.mofat.go.kr/kor(3) +81-11-218-0288(4) June 1966
(1) Consulate-General of the Russian Federation in Sapporo(2) Minami 14-jo Nishi 12-chome 2-5, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0914 Japan
http://www1.odn.ne.jp/ruscons_sapporo/(3) +81-11-561-3171, +81-11-561-3172(4) Oct. 1967
(1) Office of the Consulate-General of the Russian Federation in Hakodate(2) Motomachi 14-1, Hakodate 040-0054 Japan(3) +81-138-24-8201(4) Sept. 2003
(1) Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Sapporo(2) Minami 13-jo Nishi 23-chome 5-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0913 Japan
http://www.chn-consulate-sapporo.or.jp(3) +81-11-563-5563(4) Sept. 1980
(1) Government of Canada Trade Commissioner Service(2) MMS Sapporo Ekimae Bldg. 5F, Kita 4-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0004 Japan
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/(3) +81-11-281-6565(4) Dec. 2005

Honorary Consulates(1) Name(2) Address(3) Representative(4) Establishment(1) Honorary Consulate of Finland in Sapporo(2) c/o Arcs Co., Ltd., Minami 13-jo Nishi 11-chome 2-32, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-8610 Japan
Tel: +81-11-530-6012(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. YOKOYAMA Kiyoshi(4) Aug. 1973
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany in Sapporo(2) c/o Hokkaido Headquarters of Sapporo Breweries Limited, Frontier Kan, Sapporo Factory, Kita
1-jo Higashi 4-chome 8-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8606 Japan
Tel: +81-11-251-4174(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. ONODERA Tetsuya(4) May 1980
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Republic of the Philippines in Sapporo(2) Hachiken 1-jo Nishi 1-chome 2-10, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, 063-0841 Japan
Tel: +81-11-614-8090(3) Honorary Consul: Ken Luis Tobe
(4) Jun. 1983
(1) Honorary Consulate of Canada in Sapporo(2) c/o Canada Palace, Poseidon Maruyama 2F, Odori Nishi 26-chome 1-3, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 0640820 Japan
Tel: +81-11-643-2520(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. IHARA Keiji(4) Nov. 1996
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of Spain in Sapporo(2) c/o North Pacific Bank, Ltd., Odori Nishi 3-chome 7, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0042 Japan
Tel: +81-11-261-4288(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. ISHII Junji(4) Jan. 1999
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Lithuania in Sapporo(2) Odori Fujii Bldg. 2F, Odori Nishi 11-chome 4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0042 Japan
Tel: +81-11-221-3939(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. FUJII Masahiro(4) Jul. 2004
(1) Honorary Consulate of France in Sapporo(2) c/o Alliance Française de Sapporo, Minami 2 Nishi 5 Bldg. 2F, Minami 2-jo Nishi 5-chome 102, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0062 Japan
Tel: +81-11-261-2771(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. FURUNO Shigeyuki(4) Nov. 2007
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in Kushiro(2) Omachi Bldg. 4F, Omachi 1-chome 1-10, Kushiro 085-0847 Japan

Tel: +81-154-44-1040(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. NAKAJIMA Taro
(4) Nov. 2010
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Federated States of Micronesia in Kushiro(2) Situs Bldg. 2F, Tottori-minami 5-chome 12-5, Kushiro 084-0905 Japan
Tel: +81-154-61-5151(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. KURIBAYASHI Nobutsugi(4) Dec. 2010
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Guatemala in Sapporo(2) c/o Nagoya Tax Accounting Office, Nagoya Bldg., Kita 19-jo Nishi 3-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo
001-0019 Japan
Tel: +81-11-716-7412(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. NAGOYA Takao(4) Apr. 2011
(1) Honorary Consulate of Ireland in Sapporo(2) Takimoto Bldg. 3F, Kita 1-jo Nishi 7-chome 4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0001 Japan
Tel: +81-11-221-2451(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. KASAMA Seiji(4) Nov. 2012
(1) Royal Danish Honorary Consulate in Sapporo(2) c/o The Hokkaido Bank, Ltd., Odori Nishi 4-chome 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8676 Japan
Tel: +81-11-233-1256(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. SEKIHACHI Yoshihiro(4) Feb. 2013
(1) Honorary Consulate of Mongolia in Sapporo(2) Daiichi Bldg., 8F, Kita 4-jo Nishi 16-chome 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0004 Japan
Tel: +81-11-611-2626(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. TAKEBE Tsutomu(4) June 2014
(1) Honorary Consulate of Papua New Guinea in Muroran(2) c/o Kuribayashi & Co., Ltd., Irie 1-ban 19-go, Muroran 051-0023 Japan
Tel: +81-143-24-7011(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. KURIBAYASHI Kazunori(4) September 2015
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Fiji in Ebetsu(2) c/o Hokusho Co., Ltd., Ebetsubuto 305-15, Ebetsu, 067-0022 Japan
Tel: +81-11-382-8459(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. SHIMIZU Chikayuki(4) Oct. 2017(1) Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Austria in Sapporo(2) Television Hokkaido Broadcasting Co., Ltd., Odori-higashi 6-12-4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 0608517 Japan
Tel: +81-11- 232-1117(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. MATSUI Masanori(4) Jul. 2019

(1) Honorary Consulate of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Sapporo
GlanzOsamura Bldg. 5F, Kita 12-jo Nishi 4-chome 2-12, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0012 Japan
Tel: +81-11-600-4693(2) Honorary Consul: Mr. YAMAUTI Monica(3) Aug. 2019(1) Honorary Consulate of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic in Hakodate(2) Wakamatsu-cho 7-15, Hakodate, 040-0063 Japan
Tel: +81-138- 23-1181(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. KUBO Toshiyuki(4) Dec. 2019

Embassies (Countries relating to exchanges with northern and southern regions)(1) Name(2) Address(3) Tel.
(1) Embassy of the Argentine Republic in Japan(2) Moto-Azabu 2-14-14, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046 Japan
http://www.embargentina.or.jp/index-jp.html(3) +81-3-5420-7101(1) Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Japan(2) Kita-Aoyama 2-11-12, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8633 Japan
http://www.brasemb.or.jp/(3) +81-3-3404-5211(1) Embassy of Canada in Japan(2) Akasaka 7-3-38, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8503 Japan
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/japan-japon/(3) +81-3-5412-6200(1) Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Japan(2) Moto-Azabu 3-4-33, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046 Japan
http://www.china-embassy.or.jp/jpn/(3) +81-3-3403-3388(1) Royal Danish Embassy in Japan(2) Sarugaku-cho 29-6, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0033 Japan
http://japan.um.dk/ja.aspx(3) +81-3-3496-3001(1) Embassy of Finland in Japan(2) Minami-Azabu 3-5-39, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8561 Japan
http://www.finland.or.jp(3) +81-3-5447-6000(1) Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Japan(2) Minami-Azabu 4-5-10, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047 Japan
http://www.tokyo.diplo.de/ja/Startseite.html(3) +81-3-5791-7700(1) Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Japan(2) Minami-Azabu 1-2-5, Minato-ku, Tokyo 160-0047 Japan
http://jpn-tokyo.mofat.go.kr/jpn/index.jsp(3) +81-3-3452-7611(1) Embassy of Mongolia in Japan(2) Kamiyama-cho 21-4, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0047 Japan
http://www.mn.emb-japan.go.jp/index_j.htm(3) +81-3-3469-2088(1) Royal Norwegian Embassy in Japan(2) Minami-Azabu 5-12-2, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047 Japan
http://www.norway.or.jp/

(3) +81-3-6408-8100(1) Embassy of the Republic of Paraguay in Japan(2) Ichiban-cho Dai-2 TG Bldg. 7F, Ichiban-cho 2-2, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0082 Japan
http://www.embapar.jp/(3) +81-3-3265-5271(1) Embassy of the Russian Federation in Japan(2) Azabudai 2-1-1, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041 Japan
http://www.russia-emb.jp/(3) +81-3-3583-4224(1) Embassy of Sweden in Japan(2) Roppongi 1-10-3-100, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032 Japan
http://www.swedenabroad.com/tokyoambjp(3) +81-3-5562-5050(1) Her Britannic Majesty's Embassy in Japan(2) Ichiban-cho 1, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8381 Japan
http://ukinjapan.fco.gov.uk/ja/(3) +81-3-5211-1100(1) Embassy of the United States of America in Japan(2) Akasaka 1-10-5, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 Japan
http://japanese.japan.usembassy.gov/(3) +81-3-3224-5000(1) Delegation of the European Union(2) Minami-Azabu 4-6-28, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047 Japan
http://www.euinjapan.jp/(3) +81-3-5422-6001(As of August 1, 2020)

Keio Plaza
Hotel Sapporo

Century Royal
Hotel

Polestar
Sapporo Mainichi

Asty 45

JR Sapporo
StationYomiuri
ShimbunNewspaper

Kita 4-jo

Nishi 7-chome

Hokkaido International
Exchange and Cooperation Hokkaido
Pref.
CenterNihonseimei
SapporoBuilding

SuisanBuilding

FormerHokkaido
Gov. Office.
Building

Hokkaido
Gov. Bldg.

Hokkaido University
Botanic Garden

Sapporo Center
Building

Daimaru

Police Hq.

Sapporo Garden
PalaceSapporo Grand
Hotel

2021 Annual Report
Date of issue: September 2021
Publication/compilation:
Hokkaido International Exchange and Cooperation Center (HIECC)
Print: Asahi Print Co., Ltd.