Hokkaido International Exchange and Cooperation Center

2022
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 Northern
Regions Center was also changed to the Hokkaido International Exchange and Cooperation Center (HIECC for short) tokick off the new organization.
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 exchanges/cooperation in Hokkaido. In April 1998, the HokkaidoInternational Exchange Center for Youth and Women was incorporated into NRC, also the Hokkaido Overseas Associationin July 2006 and the North Pacific Region Advanced Research Center (NORPAC) in April 2010, thus expanding andpromoting the function of the organization. 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 the necessary information, andhave 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 members. It has a General Assembly consisting ofmembers and a Board of Directors who are selected by the General Assembly. (Number of corporate andindividual members as of March 31, 2022: 553)
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 that executes operations consists of the directors of the International Planning and the International
Information divisions as well as the Administrative, Exchange and Collaboration and the Multiculturalism teams. The
Hokkaido Foreign Resident Support Center belongs to the Multiculturalism Team.

(Organization)
General Assembly
Auditors
Advisors
President(Representative Director)
Board ofDirectors

Sub Organ
Northern
Regions Center

Senior Director(Chief Executive Officer)(Secretariat)

Director-generalMulticulturalism Team
(Hokkaido Foreign
Resident Support
Center)Exchange andCollaboration Team

Administrative Team

Director, International
Information Div.

Director, International
Planning Div.

International Exchange Salon
This salon is available for international exchanges, and commemorative gifts and other articles from overseas
visitors are exhibited in this space.

Advisors and Executive Officers(As of July 1, 2022)
Advisors
Shuji Ishizuka
Naomichi Suzuki
Yasunori Obata
Kotaro Yamaguchi
Takao Tanano
Yoshiro Ito
Executive officers
President
Yasuhiro Tsuji
Vice Presidents
Masahiro Sasahara
Minoru Nagano
Vice President and SeniorDirector
Kenichi Takehana
Directors
Hiroyuki Itagaki
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
Toru Tsurui
Hiroyoshi Dei
Tatsuro Terauchi
Satoru Nakamura
Osamu Mizuno
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.
Deputy President, North Pacific Bank, Ltd.

Hokkaido International Exchange and Cooperation Center
Director, Hokkaido Branch, The Mainichi Newspapers Co., Ltd.
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
Adviser, Hokkaido International Women’s Association
President, Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (UHB)
Director-general, Hokkaido Association of City Mayors
President, Hokkaido Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (HTB)
Executive Director, Hokkaido Tourism Organization
Senior Managing Director, Hokkaido Economic Federation
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 2021 Business Outline
Holding of Board of Directors and Ordinary General Assembly Meetings
1. 1st Board of Directors meeting, FY 2021
It was deemed completed based on the documentation.
Proceedings:○ Approval of the FY 2020 business report and financial statements○ Adoption of a resolution calling for an ordinary General Assembly meeting
2. Ordinary General Assembly meeting, FY 2021
Date: June 28 (Mon.), 2021
Place: Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo
Proceedings:○ Approval of the FY 2020 business report and financial statements○ Approval of the FY 2021 business plan and budget○ Appointment of directors and auditors○ Partial revision of the articles of incorporation○ Revision of the regulations for directors’ compensation
3. 2nd Board of Directors meeting, FY 2021
Date: June 28 (Mon.), 2021
Place: Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo
Proceedings:○ Appointment of the president, vice presidents and senior director
4. 3rd Board of Directors meeting, FY 2021
Date: March 24 (Thu.), 2022
Held online (Zoom)
Proceedings:○ Approval of the FY 2022 business plan and budget○ Approval of discretionary disposition regarding budget amendments○ Keeping of reserve funds for specific expenses○ 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 staff
consults foreign residents in Hokkaido on various matters of living. In particular, since 2020,
information on the COVID-19 situation has been updated from time to time while providing
counseling on unemployment and benefit applications amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
System: 4 full-time staff (Director of the Center, Manager, Chief Counselor and Counselor[English])
Shifts: 17 (Multilingual Counselors [Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog])
Corresponding languages: 11 languages utilizing the telephone interpreting system (Japanese,
English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, Thai, Indonesian,
Tagalog, Russian, Burmese)
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, KakaoTalk, WhatsApp
Number of consultants: 2, 366, number of consultations: 2,935 cases
Major countries of consulter

Major contents of consultations

CountryTotal
numberCountryTotal
numberChina

150

Brazil5

Taiwan
Korea
Philippines
Indonesia
Nepal
Sri Lanka

19
11
124
17
25
17

Peru
Thailand
Viet Nam
MyanmarMongolia
African countries

2
31
273
5
9
92

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

FieldsTotalnumberFieldsTotalnumberImmigration procedures(extension, change, etc.)605

Birth and childcare

37

Employment and labor

334

Education (schools,
universities, etc.)

31

Social insurance andpension

233

Japanese learning

33

Taxes

126

Medical treatment

165

Disaster prevention,
disasters
Housing

Total
numberCountryCountry

814
70
308
138
256
2,366

Total
numberStatus (marriage,
DV, etc.)
Transportation,
driver’s licenses
Interpretation,translation

186

2

Others

831

65

Total

2,935

34

253

(1) Holding remote consultation meetings
Consultation services were provided a total of 10 times in various subprefectures in Hokkaido.
Okhotsk General
Subprefectural Bureau
Kamikawa General
Subprefectural Bureau
Shiribeshi General
Subprefectural Bureau
Iburi General
Subprefectural Bureau
Kushiro General
Subprefectural Bureau
Nemuro General
Subprefectural Bureau
Oshima General
Subprefectural Bureau
Tokachi General
Subprefectural Bureau
Ishikari Subprefectural
BureauShiribeshi General
Subprefectural Bureau

Kitami City

October 24 (Sun.)

Ebetsu City

October 31 (Sun.)

Kutchan Town

November 6 (Sat.)

Muroran City

November 7 (Sun.)

Kushiro City

November 13 (Sat.)

Nakashibetsu Tow

November 14 (Sun.)

Yakumo Town

December 11 (Sat.)

Obihiro City

December 18 (Sat.)

Ebetsu City
Kutchan Town

Hakodate City

December 12 (Sun.)

December 19 (Sun.)

Eniwa City

December 26 (Sun.)

January 25 (Tue.)

Online meeting*Under the influence of COVID-19, remote consultation meetings were canceled from April to September and after January,
and holiday consultation meetings were held instead.

Remote consultation meeting (Hakodate)

Remote consultation meeting (Kushiro)(2) Holding of holiday consultation meetings
Instead of remote consultation meetings, a total of 17 holiday consultation meetings were held
to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection.
April 18, (Sun.), 25 (Sun.) / May 16, (Sun.), 30 (Sun.)
June 12, (Sat.), 27 (Sun.) / July 11 (Sun.), 31 (Sat.)
August 22 (Sun.) / September 12 (Sun.), 26 (Sun.)
January 20 (Sun.) / February 5 (Sat.), 19 (Sat.), 20 (Sun.)March 12 (Sat.), 27 (Sun.)(3) Taking the Ukrainian situation into consideration, the Ukrainian-related One-stop Support Desk
was established at the Hokkaido Foreign Resident Support Center on Friday, March 11, to
consult with Ukrainians living in Hokkaido.
2. Emergency support project for foreigners residing in Hokkaido
As one type of consultation and support by the Hokkaido Foreign Resident Support Center, thisproject was implemented for foreigners residing in Hokkaido whose living conditions have been
affected by the spread of COVID-19 by utilizing the dormant deposit accounts utilization
promotion project. The remote consultation meetings were linked to support with Japanese
language, employment, food, and so on, of the project in cooperation with the members of theMulticultural Network Promotion Council.
(1) Support for Japanese language
To prevent isolation of foreign residents in their communities, Japanese classes were held forforeign residents so that they can learn the Japanese required in their daily lives.
 October – February: a total of 4 events, 20 participants (cumulative total number) incooperation with Ryugakusei Friendship (Muroran) September – December: a total of 24 events, 96 participants (cumulative total number) incooperation with Hokkaido International Foundation (Hakodate)(2) Support for employment
Since the COVID-19 pandemic also affected employment in Hokkaido, seminars were held
for foreign residents looking for jobs in Hokkaido and companies considering to recruit
foreigners, respectively.
 Seminar for foreigners (Muroran): November 7 (Sun.), 13 participants Seminar for foreigners (Hakodate): December 12 (Sun.), 20 participants Seminar for companies and interviews (Muroran): December 7 (Tue.), seminar: 46
participants, interview: 8 participants (including 5 foreigners)
 Seminar for companies and interviews (Hakodate): February 25 (Fri.), seminar: 25
participants, interview: 80 participants (including 60 foreigners)

Support for employment and seminar forforeigners (Muroran)

Support for food(Kushiro)(3) Support for foodSupport for food was implemented in cooperation with the members of the Multicultural
Network Promotion Council for foreign residents whose lives have been affected by the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Total number of
Cooperative
Host
Date
foreigners to whom
Venue
organization
food was distributed
Center forInternational
September 8Classrooms in the
Muroran120
Relations,(Wed.)
university
Muroran Instituteof Technology
Takikawa
Takikawa Tourism
SeptemberInternational
Takikawa
50
and International
12 (Sun.)Exchange
SquareAssociation
International
October 24
Classrooms in theCenter, Kitami
Kitami90(Sun.)
university
Institute ofTechnology
Asahikawa
October 31
Asahikawa
Asahikawa
50
International(Sun.)
International Center
CenterKutchanNovember 6
Niseko Promotion
50
Chushokigyo Center
Town(Sat.)
Board
November 7
4th floor Yoko no
Ryugakusei
Muroran50(Sun.)
Ma, APA Hotel
Friendship
November 13
Kushiro Tourism and Kushiro
Kushiro200(Sat.)
International
International

Relations Center
Hakodate

December 12(Sun.)

300

Hakodate
Community Design
Center

Ikeda Town
ObihiroDecember 18(Sat.)

80

1. Ikeda Denen Hall
2. Tokachi Plaza

EbetsuDecember 19(Sun.)

80

Ebetsu International
CenterMuroranDecember 21(Tue.)

100

Classrooms in theuniversity

Eniwa

December 26(Sun.)

70

EniasuKushiroJanuary 19(Wed.)

40

KushiroInternational Plaza

SapporoJanuary 21(Fri.)
22 (Sat.)540

KutchanTown

January 25(Tue.)

SapporoInternational
Communication
Plaza

50

Chushokigyo Center

Ishikari

January 30(Sun.)

250

Hanakawa Kita
Community Center

Tomakomai

February 5(Sat.)

100

Cocotoma

Takikawa

February 13(Sun.)

30

Takikawa Tourism
and International
SquareMuroranFebruary 19(Sat.)

50

Mizumoto-cho
KaikanKitahiroshima

February 19(Sat.)

70

Kitahiroshima City
Arts Hall

ChitoseFebruary 20(Sun.)

80

Minakuru(4th floor, Chitose
Citizens Gallery)

Hakodate

February 25(Fri.)

200

Hakodate Kokusai
HotelTotal number of foreigners
distributed

2,650

Friendship
Association
Hokkaido
International
Foundation
TokachiInternational
Association
EbetsuIntercultural
Exchange
Committee
Center forInternational
Relations,Muroran Instituteof Technology(second)
Eniwa Kokusai
Koryu Plaza
KushiroInternational
Friendship
Association(second)
SapporoInternational
Communication
Plaza
Niseko Promotion
Board (second)
IshikariInternational
Association
OTis, etc.
Takikawa
International
Exchange
Association(second)
Ryugakusei
Friendship(second)Social Welfare
Corporation
EPOCH
ChitoseInternational
Friendship City
Exchange
Association
Hokkaido
International
Foundation(second)3. Activities as the Multicultural Network Promotion Council
HIECC has strived to strengthen a network of international exchange organizations in
Hokkaido and implemented various projects to realize multicultural symbiotic societies throughthe network.
Affiliated organizations (9 organizations): Hokkaido International Foundation, Muroran Instituteof Technology Center for International Relations, Takikawa International Exchange Association,
Asahikawa International Center, Kushiro International Friendship Association, International
Center, Kitami Institute of Technology, Tokachi International Association, Ryugakusei
Friendship, Niseko Promotion Board(1) 1st online meeting: July 1 (Thu.), 18 members of 8 organizations
HIECC explained the details of the projects related to multiculturism scheduled to be
implemented in this fiscal year and asked for the support of the affiliated organizations.
Theme: ・Emergency support project for foreigners residing in Hokkaido
・Multicultural key persons network promotion project(2) 2nd online meeting: February 2 (Wed.), 16 members of 9 organizations
HIECC explained the formulation of the support structure in times of disaster and asked forthe members’ cooperation.
4. Support projects for foreigners in times of disaster
Since the number of foreign residents who are not fluent in Japanese, including foreign
workers, is expected to increase in Hokkaido in the future, HIECC promoted efforts to provide
multilingual support in times of disasters to improve the environment for foreigners to live safely
and securely.
(1) Project of multilingual support of foreigners in times of disaster (commissioned by Hokkaido
Government)
a. Participation in a disaster prevention drill
・Hokkaido nuclear disaster prevention drill: October 28 (Thu.)
Dissemination of multilingual disaster information, evacuation site patrol drill*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participation in the on-site drill was canceled.

・Establishment of a multilingual disaster support center in times of disaster and its
operation drill: December 16 (Thu.) - 17 (Fri.), Hakodate
Establishment and operation of a multilingual support center in times of disaster,evacuation site patrol drill*Co-hosted with the Recognized Local International Exchange Associations Liaison
Committee’s training sessions
・Initial training for the multilingual support center in times of disaster: February 8 (Tue),
office of HIECC
Initial training for the multilingual support center in consideration of the 2018 Hokkaido
Eastern Iburi earthquake
Initial training to disseminate disaster informationb. Formulation of the support structure for foreigners
HIECC promoted cooperation with the Multicultural Coexistence Network
Collaboration Promotion Council.
c. Preparation of a manual to establish a multilingual support center(2) “Hokkaido Multicultural Coexistence Multilingual Supporter” online seminar
For “Hokkaido Multicultural Coexistence Multilingual Supporters” who support
foreigners in the event of a disaster, HIECC held an online lecture on what the supporters
do, and a case study to demonstrate an actual situation.
“Vulnerability of Foreigners in Times of Disaster” “Support for Foreign Victims in the 2016
Kumamoto Earthquake”
Date: February 6 (Sun.) online
Lecturer: Hiromitsu Yagi, Chairman of the Kumamoto International Foundation
Tomomi Katsuya, vice-chairman of the foundation
Participants: 19

Evacuation site patrol drill

Online training sessions attended by
supporters across Hokkaido(3) Multicultural key persons network promotion project
To build a network of key persons who are involved with foreign residents in Hokkaido,
HIECC listed 29 key persons recommended by international organizations, etc. to holdtraining sessions.
・First online training session
Date: January 26 (Wed.)
Lecture: “Roles of Multicultural Key Persons in Hokkaido”
Participants: 15
・2nd online training session
Date: February 22 (Tue.)
Lecture: “What Key Persons can Do”
Lecture: Zi Yang, Expertise Researcher, Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation
Institution
Participants: 12
・Regional training session
Date: February 20 (Sun.), at a hotel in Sapporo
Lecture: “Basic Information on Disasters and Evacuation Sites”
Workshop: “Use of Evacuation Sites (Simulation)”
Participants: 7
5. Regional collaboration network project (regional multiculturalism meetings)
To promote collaboration between each region and international exchange bodies, HIECC
co-sponsored online workshops on multiculturalism with the Hokkaido Government.
2021 Regional Skill-up Workshop
・1st event: “How to Establish a Multicultural Society”
Date: July 27 (Tue.)
Lecturer: Yoshihito Kinoshita, Executive Director, Kanagawa Educational
Development Center
Participants: 21
・2nd event: “Communication Techniques in Simple Japanese”
Date: September 9 (Thu.)
Lecturer: Ayako Shikibu, Researcher, Hokkaido University
Participants: 25
・3rd event: “Role-play of Support Counters for Foreign Residents”'
Date: November 5 (Fri.)
Lecturer: Noriko Muramatsu,, Hyogo International Association
Participants: 10
・4th event: “Information Dissemination to Foreigners – Communication Leading to
Behavior Modification”

Date: January 11 (Tue.)
Lecturer: Taro Tamura, Representative Director, Institute for Human Diversity
Japan
Participants: 30
・5th event: “Techniques to Communicate with Indian People"
Date: February 14 (Mon.)
Lecturer: Vikash Paliwal, Film producer
Participants: 22
・6th event: “Introduction of Actual Situation and Case Examples of the Hokkaido Foreign
Resident Support Center – promotion of multicultural coexistence in thecommunity“
Date: March 8 (Tue.)
Lecturer: Michiaki Odajima, Manager, HIECC Exchange and Multiculturalism
Division
6. Hokkaido Multicultural Award commendation program
With the aim of creating a society where foreign residents in Hokkaido can contribute toregional development and revitalization with Hokkaido residents, HIECC commended
organizations that had been engaged in outstanding activities in various fields, including
personnel training, living environment improvement, disaster prevention, education andcommunity development.
Organizations selected for excellence awards: Kitami YMCA Iroha no Kai (Kitami)
The organization contributed to develop an environment where foreign
residents can live comfortably through the project of support for foreign
residents’ problems by providing individual consultations without setting up
any classrooms for Japanese language learning for foreigners living in awide area across Hokkaido.
Awards Ceremony: March 25 (Fri.), at a hotel in Kitami

Managing Director Takehana of HIECC awards acertificate to Ms. Ito, major organizer of Iroha no Kai

Members of Kitami YMCA Iroha no Kai

Global human resource development for the future
Human resource development to connect with the world
1. Overseas training project
The event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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) Nordic Youth Exchange Program (online)
The exchange project was held online between high school students of Cathedral School
in Linkoping, Sweden, and high schools in Hokkaido.
Date: January 29 (Sat.), February 12 (Sat.), March 12 (Sat.)
Participants: 5 and 4 high school students from Hokkaido and Sweden, respectively
Themes: environmental issues, gender equality, etc.
Sessions: 2 preliminary training sessions, 1 follow-up training session and a briefing session

Online introduction on their own culture

High school students reporting what they have learned
and found through the online exchange event(3) Jeju Youth Forum 2021
High school students in Hokkaido attended the forum hosted by Jeju Special SelfGoverning Province, South Korea, a region having a friendship tie-up relation with
Hokkaido, to foster future global leaders with an international perspective and build ayouth network. (Held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
Period: November 12 (Fri.) – 14 (Sun.)
Participants: 5 high school students in Hokkaido (a total of 201 students from 43 regions in 12
countries worldwide)
Sessions: 2 preliminary training sessions, 2 follow-up training sessions and a briefing session

High school students introducing bon-odori in yukata
through the online exchange projectHigh school students reporting what they have learned
and found through the online exchange event

3. Project to help increase the number of international students
To help increase the number of international students, HIECC conducted promotions aimed
at related international organizations, universities and students.
(1) Operation of the promotion website “STUDY IN HOKKAIDO” (http://study-hokkaido.com)(2) Publication and distribution of guidebooks for studying in Hokkaido(3) Publication of e-mail newsletters to international students who had returned home andscholarship recipients
For international students who have studied in Hokkaido, HIECC published the e-mailnewsletter HIECC Newsletter to provide various kinds of information, such as the present
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
Local events and exchange activities were held so that participating foreign students could
interact with residents and to promote a better understanding of Hokkaido and disseminate
information on the appeal of Hokkaido through social media, etc.
Hokkaido Foreign Student Exchanges in Shiribeshi
Date: October 16 (Sat.) – 17 (Sun.)
Place: Kyogoku, Kutchan and Kuromatsunai towns
Participants: 22 international students (from 16 countries or regions)

Mochi-tsuki (pounding steamed rice) experiencetaught by the residents of Kuromatsunai Town

International students gathered for a commemorative
photo after taking a stroll in the Utasai Beech Forest

5. International exchange support project for international students
HIECC has selected 90 international students enrolled in universities and graduate schools in
Hokkaido as International Student Supporters to disseminate information on studying in
Hokkaido to students in their home countries, and make it possible to accept many international
students who come to study in Hokkaido (An annual fee of 50,000 yen is provided to each
International Student Supporter as payment for information dissemination activities.).
・Number of posts: 835 (available on the website of HIECC)

Promotion of International Exchanges
Implementation of various exchange programs with other countries
1. Youth exchange program between Japan and China
Although exchanges based on the “Heilongjiang-Hokkaido Youth Exchange Agreement” madeand entered into by Heilongjiang, China and Hokkaido in 2008 have been conducted between thetwo regions, the event was canceled in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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 2021, 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.
FY 2021 Grants-in-aid
Target for grants-in-aid
Hokkaido Russia Far East Exchange Program
The 160th Anniversary of the Japan-Germany Relationship,
The Sapporo-Munich sister city 50th anniversary project,“The moment to admire ballet while listening to stories about GermanJapan exchanges and listening to music related to the stories”
Total: 2 programs

Organizer
Executive committee

Amount(1,000 yen)
300

Japanisch-Deutsche
Gesellschaft

200
500

4. Hosting of international delegations in Hokkaido
Although HIECC was scheduled to host a visiting group of descendants of emigrants from
Hokkaido to Brazil, the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. 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)
6. Project to host international students who are descendants of former emigrants from
Hokkaido abroad
The event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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
Date: October 9 (Sat.)
Place: Kaderu 2.7
Co-host: Hokkaido Youth Foundation for Science and Culture(3) Sapporo International Night
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.
Date: December 12 (Sun.)
Place: Kaderu 2.7, Keio Plaza Hotel
Participants: 43 international students from 30 countries and 166 Japanese students
Co-host: Hokkaido Youth Foundation for Science and Culture

Presentation by a student from Finland

Presentation of summaries by representativesof each group(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 regions in collaboration with
the Hokkaido Government on each date of commemoration of their friendship tie-up.









Chiang Mai province, Thailand (April 11, Sapporo Dome)
Hawaii, U.S.A. (May 1 – June 30, Sapporo Prince Hotel)
Heilongjiang, China: (November 25, January 27 – 28, Sapporo University)
South Korea: (December 16, 2F, Sapporo TV Tower)*The event was jointly implemented with the areas below.
Gyeongsangnam-do (South Gyeongsang Province) / Seoul / Busan Metropolitan City / Jeju Special
Self-Governing Province South Korea,
Alberta, Canada (canceled)
Massachusetts, U.S.A. (canceled)
Sakhalin State, Russia (canceled)(5) Regular international exchange lectures
Regular lectures co-hosted with the
Hokkaido International Women’s
Association were held.


1st lecture: “Activities by the Japan Overseas
Cooperation Volunteers in Developing
Countries”
Date: July 29 (Thu.)
Participants: 21
2nd lecture: Introduction of England – British
English and American English”
Date: November 11 (Thu.)
Participants: 28
3rd lecture: “What is Multiculturalism? –situation of acceptance of foreigners in
Hokkaido”
Date: March 29 (Tue.)
Participants: 30

The 3rd lecture “What is Multiculturalism?"(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.
PeriodAug. 13 – Sep. 17
Nov. 1 – Dec. 10
Jan. 13 – Mar. 1
Feb. 2 – Mar. 15

Training course name
Issue-specific training, “Comprehensive Engineering on Water
Supply Systems (B)-1” – held online
Issue-specific training, “Road Maintenance Management (E)” –held online
Issue-specific training, “Comprehensive Engineering on Water
Supply Systems (B)-2” – held online
JICA Partnership Program (implemented to establish the businessstructure required to manage tap water in Pokhara, Nepal)

Trainee7 trainees
14 trainees
8 trainees–

Commemorative photo during online remote training for Comprehensive Engineering on Water Supply
Systems (B)-2 course

2. Hosting trainees from overseas
The scheduled hosting of trainees was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. International information dissemination project
The endeavors for multiculturalism and international exchanges and cooperation in Hokkaido
were introduced on the HIECC website.

Promotion of International Mutual Understanding
1. Convening a lecture on international understanding
The lectures were delivered to promote international understanding among the members andHokkaido residents.
Theme: “Learn from Measures Achieve Gender Equality in Iceland”
Date: December 3 (Fri.), Zoom online seminar
Lecturer: Brynhildur Heiðar- og Ómarsdóttir, Secretary General, Icelandic Women’s Rights Association
Natsuki Yasuda, Vice President, Dialogue for People
Participants: approx. 70
The lecture was separately released on YouTube.

Ms. Brynhildur delivering a keynote speech

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 online seminars
this fiscal year taking prevention of the spread of COVID-19 into consideration.
(1) 1st Seminar: “Seminar to Understand Russia – Sakhalin -”Theme: “What is the longed for vacation at dacha? Charm of Sakhalin, which is too close to know well”
Lecturer: Mika Orihovic, Japanese language teacher living in Sakhalin
Hiroaki Nishina, Chief, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Bureau, The Hokkaido Shimbun Press
Tetsuya Urata, Head, Hokkaido Government Sakhalin Representative Office
Participants: approx. 100
The seminar was separately released on YouTube.
Co-hosts: Hokkaido Government
Sponsor: Hokkaido Prefectural Board of Education, City of Sapporo, Sapporo City Board of Education,
The Hokkaido Shimbun Press

Lecturers in discussions
Urata (upper left), Orihovic (lowerleft), Nishina (upper right),
coordinator Takada (upper right)(2) 2nd Seminar: “Seminar to Understand Russia - Primorsky Krai and central Russia -”Theme: “Russia, a place full of diversity! Talk about Primorsky Krai and central Russia”
Date: November 19 (Fri.), Zoom online seminar
Lecturer: Nao Takatsuka, Chief, Sakhalin Office, NHK Vladivostok Bureau
Feshina Alena, Coordinator, International Relations of the Hokkaido Government
Rika Doi, full-time Japanese language teacher, Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University
Participants: approx. 90, The lecture was separately released on YouTube.
Co-hosts: Hokkaido Government
Sponsor: Hokkaido Prefectural Board of Education, City of Sapporo, Sapporo City Board of Education, The
Hokkaido Shimbun PressMs. Doi delivering a keynote speech(3) 3rd Seminar: “Environment-friendly Community Development Learning from Northern
Europe”
Theme: “Thinking about a carbon neutral society in Hokkaido”
Date: January 21 (Fri.), Zoom online seminar
Lecturer: Kanau Takahashi, Energy Adviser, Royal Danish Embassy in Japan
Manabu Kubota, Deputy Secretary-General, Hokkaido Environment Foundation
Participants: approx. 60, The lecture was released on YouTube separately.
Sponsor: Hokkaido Government, Association of Hokkaido Denmark

Mr. Kubota delivering a keynote speech(4) 4th Seminar: “Seminar to Understand Russia – Moscow, Sanit”

Theme: “Learning about life in the wider Moscow area”
Date: March 4 (Fri.), Zoom online seminar [postponed]*Although preparation for the event was conducted, it was postponed due to the change in the
Ukraine situation.

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.
The 10th “International symposium on the Northeast Asia situation in consideration of Hokkaido”

Theme: “The U.S.-China conflict and impact on Northeast Asia – consider the diplomatic policy of Japan -”Date: March 17 (Thu.), Zoom online seminar
Lecturer: Haruka Matsumoto, Director & Senior Research Fellow, East Asian Studies Group, Institute ofDeveloping Economies, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Toshihiro Nakayama, Professor, Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University
Participants: approx. 60, The lecture was separately released on YouTube.
Sponsors: Hokkaido Economic Federation, The Hokkaido Shimbun Press, Association for Northeast Asia
Regional Studies

Lecturers in discussions
Mr. Nakayama (upper right), Ms.
Matsumoto (lower), coordinator
Takada (upper left)

4. Consular Exchange Promotion Projects
All events, excluding the general meeting, were canceled to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
 Date of the general meeting (held online): October 1 (Fri.)
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. 190, published in September 2021

“Hoppoken” Vol. 191, published in March, 2022

Hoppoken extra edition of the annual report 2021
The Hoppoken extra edition jointly carried the annual reportfor FY 2021 to publish business reports, etc.

6. International information network system
Information on international exchanges and the like was collected and accumulated via theinternet and widely disseminated. The businesses of HIECC and related organizations wereannounced and reported on-time on Facebook.
 Access number to the website: April – March, monthly average: 7,200
URL: https://www.hiecc.or.jp/index.html

Top screen of the HIECC website

Top screen of Facebook of HIECC

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, 2022)
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
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) Yueyang, 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 / Northern Mariana Islands(3) November 20, 2006
(4) Friendship city
(1) Faaborg-Midtfyn(2) Denmark / Region of Southern 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 / Canterbury Region(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 / Valmiera(3) July 17, 2008

(4) Sister city
(1) Aniva(2) Russia / Sakhalin(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 / Changhua County(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, Franche-Comte(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 / Canterbury(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(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
Shiranuka(1) Wulai District(2) Taiwan / New Taipei City
(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) Hakodate Office of the Consulate-General of the Russian Federation in Sapporo(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) Nikko 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 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) Jun. 1958
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in Sapporo(2) c/o Headquarters of NAKAYAMAGUMI Co., Ltd., Kita 19-jo Higashi 1-chome 1-1, Higashiku, Sapporo 065-8610 Japan
Tel: +81-11-741-7111(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. NAKAYAMA Shigeru(4) Dec. 1969
(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) Feb. 1972
(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 Federative Republic of Brazil in Sapporo(2) GlanzOsamura Bldg. 706, Kita 12-jo Nishi 4-chome 2-12, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0012 Japan
Tel: +81-11-600-4693(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. YAMAUTI Monica(4) Feb. 1979
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of Belgium in Sapporo(2) c/o Secoma Company Ltd., Park 9.5 Bldg., Minami 9-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
064-8620 Japan
Tel: +81-11-511-2796(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. AKAO Hiroaki(4) Mar. 1980
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Republic of the Philippines in Sapporo(2) c/o Nippon Food Manufacturer, Hachiken 1-jo Nishi 1-chome 2-10, Nishi-ku, Sapporo 0630841 Japan
Tel: +81-11-614-8090(3) Honorary Consul-General: Ken Luis Tobe
(4) Jun. 1983
(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) Mar. 1986
(1) Honorary Consulate of New Zealand in Sapporo(2) c/o Kinotoya Co., Ltd., Wall 202, Kita 2-jo Nishi 10-chome 2-7, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0002
Japan
Tel: +81-11-596-6835(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. NAGANUMA Akio
(4) Jul. 1990
(1) Honorary Consulate of Norway in Sapporo(2) c/o Marusui Holdings Co., Ltd., Kita 12-jo Nishi 20-chome 2-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-8505
Japan
Tel: +81-11-643-1234(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. MUTO Osamu(4) Jan. 1996
(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 Mongolia in Sapporo(2) c/o Sapporo Daiichi Kousan Co., Ltd., 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) May 1999
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Lithuania in Sapporo(2) c/o Odori Fujii Bldg., 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 the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in Kushiro(2) c/o Daiei Sangyo Co., Ltd., 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) c/o Mitsuwa Syoukai Co., Ltd., Situs Bldg. 2F, Tottori-minami 5-chome 12-5, Kushiro 0840905 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) c/o Dimplex Japan Co., Ltd., 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) 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 (Hokkaido)(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) Dec. 2017(1) Honorary Consulate of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic in Hakodate(2) c/o Hakodate Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Wakamatsu-cho 7-15, Hakodate 040-0063
Japan
Tel: +81-138- 23-1181(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. KUBO Toshiyuki(4) Dec. 2019(1) Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Ghana in Sapporo(2) c/o Hokkaido Research Institute for the Twenty-first Century Co., Ltd., Hokuyo Bldg., 6F, Odori
Nishi 3-chome 11, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8640 Japan
Tel: +81-11-231-3053(2) Honorary Consul: Mr. ISHII Itaru(3) May 2021
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Belarus in Hakodate(2) c/o Answer Co., Ltd., Chiyogadai-cho 12-25, Hakodate 040-0013 Japan
Tel: +81-138-83-1176(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. MATSUURA Masato(4) Jun. 2021
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Paraguay in Hakodate(2) c/o Asahi Corporation Co., Ltd., Higashiyama-cho 185-1, Hakodate 041-0834 Japan
Tel: +81-138-33-5877(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. SAITO Gen

(4) Aug. 2021
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic in Sapporo(2) c/o Sapporo Breweries Limited, Sapporo Factory Frontier Bldg. 3F, , Kita-1-jo Higashi 4-8-1,
Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8606 Japan
Tel: +81-11-218-8033(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. NOMURA Masahiro(4) Sep. 2021
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Uganda in Sapporo(2) Makomanai Izumi-machi 3-chome 1-7-506, Minami-ku, Sapporo 005-0015 Japan
Tel: 090-7517-6088(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. KAMEDA Kazuaki(4) Dec. 2021

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 the Republic 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 the Kingdom 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) Europe House, Minami-Azabu 4-6-28, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047 Japan
http://www.euinjapan.jp/(3) +81-3-5422-6001(As of April 1, 2022)

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 GrandHotel

2022 Annual Report
Date of issue: September 2021
Publication/compilation:
Hokkaido International Exchange and Cooperation Center (HIECC)
Print: Asahi Print Co., Ltd.