Hokkaido International Exchange and Cooperation Center

2020
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.

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.

Transition into a public interest incorporated association and change of the nameDuring 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.
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 598 corporate and individual members as of March 31, 2020,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 June 23, 2020)
Advisors
Teiji Goto
Naomichi Suzuki
Noritoshi Murata
Kotaro Yamaguchi
Takao Tanano
Yoshiro Ito
Executive officers
President
Toshio Sato
Vice Presidents
Ryu Shibata
Yoshihiro Sekihachi
Yasuhiro Tsuji
Vice President and SeniorDirector
Masahiro Echizen
Directors
Susumu EgashiraShuji Ochiai
Masanori Kasahara
Naoki Katsuta
Yoshinori Kato
Koyu Kishi
Sueki Sato
Seiyuki Sato
Tatsuo Shibata
Shozo Suetsugu
Miho Suzuki
Hideo Seo
Tatsuro Terauchi
Toyoaki Negishi
Kenji Hirose
Masanori Matsui
Tomoyoshi Michishita
Hiroo Miyaguchi
Masao Morimoto
Takashi Yokoyama
Masaaki Yoshizawa
Auditors
Keiichi Ueda
Kazuhiko Sakamoto

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

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

FY 2019 Business Outline
Holding of Board of Directors and Ordinary General Assembly Meetings
1. 1st Board of Directors meeting, FY 2019
Date and time: May 23 (Thu.), 2019
Place: Hotel Sapporo Garden Palace
Proceedings:○ Approval of the FY 2018 business report and financial statements○ Adoption of a resolution calling for an ordinary General Assembly meeting
Partial change of the business plan for FY 2019 and application for certification of a change tothe public interest corporation
2. Ordinary General Assembly meeting, FY 2019
Date and time: June 25 (Tue.), 2019
Place: Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo
Proceedings:○ Approval of the FY 2018 business report and financial statements○ Approval of the FY 2019 business plan and budget○ Appointment of directors
3. 2nd Board of Directors meeting, FY 2019
Date and time: June 25 (Tue.), 2019
Place: Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo
Proceedings:○ Appointment of vice presidents
4. 3rd Board of Directors meeting, FY 2019
Due to the influence of COVID-19, it was deemed completed based on the paperwork.
Proceedings:○ Approval of the FY 2020 business plan and budget○ Approval of discretionary disposition regarding budget amendments○ Approval of delegation of the position of an advisor

Ordinary General Assembly meeting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 and living,” theHokkaido Foreign Resident Support Center was established on August 29, 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 have transmitted information on COVID-19 invarious languages since February, thus supporting many foreign residents.
○ System: 4 full-time staff (Director of the Center, Manager, Chief Counselor and Counselor [English])
8 part-time staff (Multilingual Counselors [Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog])○ Corresponding languages: 11 languages using a telephone interpretation system (Japanese, English, Chinese,
Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, Thai, Indonesian, Tagalog, Russian, Burmese)○ Business hours: 9:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:00 only on weekdays○ Total number of consultations: 542 (from the date of establishment to March 31)○ Major countries of consulterCountry
China
Taiwan
Korea
Philippine
Indonesia
Thailand

Total number
45
7
7
24
13
4

○ Major contents of consultations

FieldsImmigration procedures
Employment and labor
Social insurance andmedical treatment
Pension and taxes
Birth and childcare

Country
Viet Nam
African countries
European countries (Canada, U.S.A, etc.)
Japan
Others (Hong Kong, Myanmar, etc.)
Unknown

Total number
42
3
91
81
55
71

Total number
8
13
1Country
Housing
Status, marriage, etc.
Disaster prevention

Total number
8
13
1

13
167

Children’s education
Others13167○ Holding remote consultation meetings: Consultation services were provided at a total of 12 bureaus in various subprefecturesin Hokkaido to handle consultations from foreigners.
1. Kamikawa General Subprefectural Bureau (Asahikawa)
October 31 (Thu.)
2. Oshima and Hiyama Subprefectural Bureau (Hakodate)November 10 (Sun.)
3. Iburi General Subprefectural Bureau (Muroran)
November 27 (Wed.)
4. Soya General Subprefectural Bureau (Wakkanai)
December 7 (Sat.)
5. Shiribeshi General Subprefectural Bureau (Kutchan)
December 10 (Tue.)
6. Sorachi General Subprefectural Bureau (Takikawa)
January 18 (Sat.)
7. Tokachi General Subprefectural Bureau (Obihiro)
January 25 (Sat.)
8. Kushiro General Subprefectural Bureau (Kushiro)
January 26 (Sun.)
9. Okhotsk General Subprefectural Bureau (Kitami)
February 1 (Sat.)
10. Okhotsk General Subprefectural Bureau (Mombetsu)
February 2 (Sun.)
Remote consultation meeting by the Hokkaido Foreign
11. Rumoi Subprefectural Bureau (Rumoi)
Resident Support Center (Kitami)
February 15 (Sat.)
12. Hidaka Subprefectural Bureau (Urakawa City)
February 22 (Sat.)*The event in Nemuro and Ishikari subprefectural bureaus were postponed due to the spread of COVID-19.

2. Activities as the Multicultural Network Promotion Council
To take specific initiatives to promote multiculturalism, HIECC built a network of international
exchange organizations in Hokkaido and implemented various projects that contributed to therealization of a multicultural society while working together and cooperating with theorganizations.
1) Multiculturalism enlightenment project
To promote community development where foreigners can fully contribute to the development andrevitalization of regions as residents, HIECC held lectures under the theme of support for foreigners intimes of disaster, and Japan’s new system for foreign workers among other subjects.
June 14 (Fri.), Chitose
Participants: 20 (In cooperation with: Chitose International Communication Society)
Theme: Development of Communities Friendly to All Residents2) Multicultural coordinator seminar
To promote a multicultural society, HIECC held a seminar for project coordinators (persons incharge of the project) in various fields across Hokkaido.
October 2 (Wed.), Asahikawa
Participants: 48 (In cooperation with: Hokkaido International Foundation [Hakodate])

Seminar on the efforts on multiculturalism

Experience of HUG (Hinanjo Unei Game[a shelter management game])

3. Support projects for foreigners in times of disaster1) Nuclear emergency evacuation drill for foreign tourists
On the occasion of the nuclear emergency response exercise hosted by the Hokkaido
Government, foreign tourists staying in Shakotan Town participated in a drill to promptly
evacuate foreign tourists from the “Evacuation-Prepared Area in Case of Emergency” after anuclear accident. The participants also experienced simulated use of the Tourist Emergency
Support Station, an evacuation site established in Sapporo.
November 17 (Sun.), Shakotan and Sapporo
Participants (foreigners): 22

Foreign participants who were lectured about theevacuation procedure by the hotel staff

Experience of use of the Tourist Emergency Support
Station2) Information session on the recruitment of multilingual supporters in times of disaster in
Hokkaido
An information session on the recruitment of multilingual supporters, who would register for
HIECC to play active roles to support foreigners in times of disaster, was held in Hakodate.
Attendees underwent training, including roleplay simulation to gain a life-like experience intimes of disaster.
November 9 (Sat.), Hakodate
Participants: 9 (co-host: Hokkaido International Foundation [Hakodate])

A lecture on problems that foreigners often experiencein times of disaster

Participants experienced the translation of disaster
information

3) Registration of multilingual supporters in times of disaster in Hokkaido
Number of registered supporters: 64 (51 in FY 2018)
4) Fire drill at Hokkaido International School
In conjunction with Ishikari Subprefectural Bureau, a seminar on disaster prevention was cohosted to provide simulation experiences of evacuation and living in a shelter at the time of adisaster for Hokkaido International School students and their parents.
December 12 (Thu.), Sapporo
Participants: approx. 150 (co-host: Ishikari Subprefectural Bureau)

Senior students giving a lecture to students
in lower grades

Assembling a cardboard bed hands-on experience5) Multilingual disaster-related data pool and transmission infrastructure promotion project
The websites of HIECC and the Hokkaido Foreign Resident Support Center unitarily transmit
information from the Hokkaido Government and foreign consular offices in Hokkaido to allow
foreigners in Hokkaido to obtain information easily by strengthening the information transmitting
function in times of disaster. (Utilizing a grant of the Council of Local Authorities forInternational Relations [CLAIR])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.
November 1 (Fri.), Esashi
Participants: 13
December 6 (Fri.), Wakkanai
Participants: 12
December 19 (Thu.), Urakawa
Participants: 16
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 has commended two organizations that had been
engaged in outstanding activities in various fields, including personnel training, living
environment improvement, disaster prevention, education and regional development since FY
2016.
Organizations selected for Excellence awards:[Nihongo Volunteer Group “MADO” (Sapporo)]
The group has provided Japanese lessons to foreign residents in Hokkaido on a voluntary basis
for 26 years since its establishment in 1993 to the present, and plays an active role to enhanceinternational exchanges and mutual understanding. In 2018 alone 369 foreign residents from 42
different countries utilized the service.
[Nonprofit Organization, Hokkaido Kaihinbika wo Susumerukai (Sapporo)]
The beach clean-up activity, “International Picking-up-Trash Campaign While Walking on the
Beach” has been held roughly ten times annually across Hokkaido since 2014, contributing tolocal clean-up activities. After such an activity, participants also participated in local festivals,
promoting mutual understanding with residents. A total of approximately 1,000 foreigners took
part in the event.
Awards ceremony: January 21 (Tue.), 2020, Sapporo Prince Hotel

Yukiko Kawabata, Representative of Nihongo Volunteer Group “MADO”(Second from the left in the front row)
Susumu Mizusaki, President of Hokkaido Kaihinbika wo Susumerukai(Second from the right in the front row)Global human resource development for the future
Human resource development to connect with the world
1. Project for High School Students to Build Bridges in Asia
HIECC dispatched 10 high school students from Hokkaido to the Kingdom of Cambodia tocultivate internationally minded young people who can actively collaborate with a different
human resources in each country and the students inspected the activity fields of the local
NGOs.
 Dispatch period: July 28 (Sun.) – August 3 (Sat.) Participants: 10 high school students
 Others: 4 training sessions (2 preliminary training sessions, 2 follow-up training sessions),
4 briefing sessions (at high schools in Hokkaido)

A student holding a metal detector used for mineclearing

Participating in farming activities with local children

2. Youth Eco-Forum 2019
HIECC dispatched two high school students from Hokkaido to the Youth Eco-Forum 2019 to
cultivate individuals capable of discussing environmental issues with young people in northerncountries and to develop their communication skills through human resource development
projects, including preliminary and follow-up training sessions.
Dispatch period: October 6 (Sun.) – 12 (Sat.)
Destinations: Akureyri, Republic of Iceland
Participants: 2 high school students
Others: 3 preliminary training sessions. The scheduled follow-up training sessions and a briefing
session were canceled due to the spread of COVID-19.

Presentation on efforts made to protect the Hokkaido
environment

Discussion with participants from other regions

3. Jeju Youth Forum 2019
HIECC dispatched three high school students from Hokkaido to the Jeju Youth Forum, an event
hosted by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea. The aim of the dispatch was topromote exchanges and mutual understanding with young people in Jeju.
 Dispatch period: October 31 (Thu.) – November 4 (Mon.) Destination: Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea
 Participants: 3 high school students
 Others: 4 preliminary training sessions. The scheduled briefing session was canceled dueto the spread of COVID-19.

High school students from Hokkaido dressed in Ainupatterned happi coats participated in the event.

A participant answering a question that was asked
in English

4. Overseas youth training project
Although six young people from companies and organizations in Hokkaido were scheduled tobe dispatched to Singapore and Viet Nam between February 16 and 23 for the exchange
project, it was canceled due to the spread of COVID-19.
Exchanges with international students
1. Project to help increase the number of international students
To help increase the number of international students at each university in Hokkaido, HIECC
conducted promotion activities aimed at universities, related international organizations 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) Participation in the Study in Japan Fair (hosted by the Japan Student Services Organization)
Venue: Indonesia
HIECC distributed brochures about Hokkaido and universities in Hokkaido to promote
universities in Hokkaido to students and educators.
November 23 (Sat.), Surabaya venue; number of visitors to the HIECC booth: approx. 240
November 24 (Sun.), Jakarta venue; number of visitors to the HIECC booth: approx. 480

4) Publication of e-mail newsletters to international students who had returned home
For international students who had returned home from Hokkaido, HIECC published the email newsletter News for Ryugakusei Supporters to further promote international students’
employment in Hokkaido through the provision of up-to-date information on Hokkaido,
including job opportunities. (issued two times a year)
2. International exchange support project for international students
To help increase the number of international students, HIECC provided grant aid for privately
funded international students at universities in Hokkaido and registered the recipients asinternational student supporters to facilitate their participation in regional exchange programs
conducted in each region in Hokkaido.
 Details of grant aid for study: Amount of 15,000 yen per month for a total of 50 privately fundedinternational students3. 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) Participation in the economical human resource exchange promotion meeting with Viet Nam
HIECC participated as a member in the meeting set up by the Hokkaido Government.
2) Promotion activities in Viet Nam
The “Hokkaido Vietnam Economical Human Resource Seminar, Japan Vietnam Festival”(Ho Chi Minh), in which HIECC was scheduled to participate, was canceled due to the
spread of COVID-19.
4. Implementation of regional exchanges with international students
To promote international students’ understanding of Hokkaido and exchanges with local
people, HIECC participated in the regional event and held an exchange party.
Hokkaido Foreign Student Exchanges in Tokachi
August 12 (Mon.) – 14 (Wed.) Taiki, Sarabetsu, Obihiro
International student participants: 21

Mini volleyball exchanges with local people in
Taiki Town
Lesson on “Netchu Elementary School” by Takeshi
Nishiyama, Mayor of Sarabetsu Village

5. Registration of everyday goods for support of international students
Number of registered items in FY 2019: 11 (3 in the last FY)

Promotion of International Exchanges
Implementation of various exchange programs with other countries
1. Youth exchange program between Japan and China
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 in FY 2008. In collaboration with Harbin
University of Music and Sapporo Otani University, a delegation visited Abira Town, one of theareas affected by the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake, and held a Japan-China Young People’s
Fureai Concert.
Host period: December 11 (Wed.) – 13 (Fri.)
Delegation: 3 officials of the Heilongjiang Government and 12 professors and students ofHarbin University of Music
Japan-China Young People Fureai Concert: December 12 (Thu.) Hayakita Town Center

Courtesy visit to Sapporo Otani University

Japan-China Young People Fureai Concert(Abira Town)

2. Japan-South Korea exchange program
To foster specific exchanges and cooperation between Hokkaido and South Korea, exchanges
involving “mini volleyball,” a unique sport that originated in Taiki Town, Hokkaido based on its
aging society, was conducted under the agreement with Gyeongsangnam-do Athletic
Association. In 2019, HIECC hosted a mini volleyball delegation from Gyeongsangnam-do, forexchanges with the team in Hokkaido.
Host period: July 11 (Thu.) – 13 (Sat.)
Number of delegation members: 2 from Gyeongsangnam-do Athletic Association and 14
from Gyeongsangnam-do Mini Volleyball Association
Places visited: Sapporo and Asahikawa
Cooperation bodies: Hokkaido Mini Volleyball Association, Sapporo Mini Volleyball
Association and Asahikawa Mini Volleyball Association

Members of the delegation and the Hokkaido team deepening their friendshipafter a friendly mini volleyball match in Sapporo and Asahikawa

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 2019 Grants-in-aid
Target for grants-in-aid
Memorial Exhibition of the 100th Anniversary of
Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Finland
Kitami-Elizabeth 50th Twinning Anniversary Program
Mongol Naadam Festival 2019Japan and U.S.A Homestay & Cultural Exchange Program
Hokkaido-Heilongjiang Art Exchange Exhibition 2019
Junior Jazz International Exchange Program“Meeting in Ainola” master class & concert by themembers of Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra
Medical services and welfare for elderly people beyond theborders – Symposium commemorating the 135th
anniversary of the birth of the first chairman, Seishichi Ono
Total: 8 programs

Organizer
Hokkaido Finland Society

Amount (¥1,000)
200

Executive committee of the program
Ryugakusei FriendshipWorld Youth Japan
Hokkaido Cultural Organization Council
Sapporo Cultural Arts Foundation
The Sibelius Society of Japan Hokkaido
BranchJapanisch-Deutsche Gesellschaft

100
200
100
200
100
100
100

1,100

4. Registration of international exchange volunteers
Number of registered volunteers: 36 (36 in FY 2018)
5. Hosting of international delegations in Hokkaido
HIECC hosted a visiting group of people who are the descendants of emigrants from Hokkaido
to Argentina to promote their understanding of Hokkaido, their ancestors’ land, and to deepen
the friendship through an exchange party and an inspection tour of Hokkaido companies.
Host period: January 29 (Wed.) – February 5 (Wed.)
Number of youth delegation members: 6 of the Argentine
Youth Exchange Delegation

Farewell party with persons concerned to deepen
members’ mutual understanding

Commemorative photo during the long-awaited tourof Sapporo Snow Festival

6. Support program for emigrants
1) Support for associations representing people who had emigrated from Hokkaido abroad
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 and Assistance) (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)

2) Participation in ceremonies commemorating emigration of Hokkaido people to South America
To participate in ceremonies commemorating the 100th anniversary of emigration of Hokkaido people to Brazil and the 80th
anniversary of emigration of Hokkaido people to Paraguay, Toshio Sato, President of HIECC, joined the celebration delegationconsisting of officials of the Hokkaido Government and the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly for exchanges with persons
concerned of both countries.
August 24 (Sat.) Sao Paulo
Memorial ceremonycommemorating the 100th
anniversary of emigration of
Hokkaido people to Brazil
August 21 (Wed.) Asuncion
Memorial ceremonycommemorating the 80th
anniversary of emigration of
Hokkaido people to Paraguay

Venue of the memorial ceremony of associations
representing people who had emigrated from Hokkaido
in Alto Parana

Mr. Sato, President of HIECC,
presents a commemorative gift to
Mr. Onuma, President of the
Associação Hokkaido de Cultura
e Assistência (Hokkaido
Association of Culture andAssistance)3) Participation in the Hokkaido Tourism and Food and Product Fair
In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of emigration of Hokkaido people to Brazil and the 80th anniversary of theestablishment of the Associação Hokkaido de Cultura e Assistência (Hokkaido Association of Culture and Assistance), HIECC
took an active role as the secretariat of the support association when the Hokkaido Tourism and Food and Product Fair, which
introduced Hokkaido to residents in Brazil with a connection with Hokkaido and the emigrants.
○ Hokkaido Tourism and Food and Product Fair: September 14 (Sat.) – 15 (Sun.) Sao Paulo

7. 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 Information and Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering,
Hokkaido University of Science
8. Exchange programs in collaboration with other organizations
1) All Japan Chinese Speech Contest, Hokkaido Tournament
October 13 (Sun.)
Kaderu 2.7
Co-host: Japan-China Friendship Association
2) International Youth Forum, Sapporo
University/high school students in Hokkaido and persons involved in Japan - United Statesexchanges participated in a workshop of group discussions on the theme, “How to build The
Civilian Society.”
November 3 (Sun.)
Participants: 80
Keio Plaza Hotel
Co-host: The America-Japan Society of Hokkaido
3) The 42nd Sapporo International Night
International students and Japanese students held discussions and attended an exchange party
providing opportunities to interact with other young people across the world and to deepen
friendships.
December 15 (Sun.); Participants: 286 Japanese students and 66 other people from 26
countries, Kaderu 2.7/Keio Plaza Hotel
Co-host: The Hokkaido Youth Foundation for Science and CultureGroup discussion on a theme

Ethnic dance performance by Viet Nam students(Abira Town)

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 in collaboration with the Hokkaido
Government on each date of commemoration of their friendship tie-up.
○ State of Hawaii (U.S.A): May 9 (Thu.) – 14 (Tue.)○ Gyeongsangnam-do (Korea): June 6 (Thu.) – 7 (Fri.)○ Alberta (Canada): October 13 (Sun.)○ Seoul (Korea): November 20 (Wed.)○ Sakhalin State (Russia): November 30 (Sat.)○ Busan (Korea): December 12 (Thu.) – 13 (Fri.)○ Korea (Jeju Province): December 17 (Tue.)○ Massachusetts (U.S.A.): February 6 (Thu.) – 7 (Fri.)○ Chiang Mai (Thailand): February 25 (Tue.) – 26 (Wed.)

5) Regular international exchange lectures
May 16 (Thu.)
Theme: International Relationships
Lecturer: Condos Yusuf, Deputy Consul General of the Consulate-General of the People’s
Republic of China in Sapporo
July 8 (Mon.)
Theme: Considering a Sustainable Future
Lecturer: Naoko Yago, JICA staff
September 9 (Mon.)
Japanese Culture Introduction Meetings
Foreign residents could experience a tea ceremony, ikebara flower arrangement, kimono
dressing and Japanese calligraphy.
November 13 (Wed.)
Theme: Japanese Speech Presentation – I Want to Convey My Thoughts
Meeting party with presenters and all participants after speeches by 17 Japanese learners
January 14 (Tue.)
Theme: From Italy to Hokkaido – Road of Translation
Lecturer: Pier Giorgio Girasole
Co-host: Hokkaido International Women’s Association
6) International Exchanges in Shakotan
In response to a request from the Shakotan Board of Education, HIECC cooperated andsupported an international exchange program held at elementary and junior high schools in
the town by inviting international students at Hokkaido University and Hokkaido Government
overseas trainees.
November 16 (Sat.)
Pupil and student participants: 94
International participants: 22
Shakotan (4 elementary schools and 1 junior high school)

International students from the Philippines and China
who are asked a question by a first grader of Bikuni
Elementary School

With pupils of Bikuni Elementary School7) World cooking classes
In collaboration with other organizations, HIECC held cooking classes for the purpose ofhelping them deepen their mutual understanding by learning about the lives and cultures ofother countries through world cooking classes.
October 4 (Fri.), Asahikawa; co-host: Ryabina Japan-Russia Cultural Exchange Association

Promotion of International Cooperation
1. Participation in the training projects of JICAHIECC was entrusted with partial co-hosting of trainees from developing countries with JICA
Hokkaido International Center (Sapporo), and coordinated curriculums and training courses withtraining implementation organizations.
Training course name1) Issue-specific training, “Road

PeriodTraineeMay 7 – Jun. 15

8 trainees from French-speaking

Maintenance Management (E)”2) Issue-specific training, “Comprehensive

countries, such as Cameroon
Jun. 7 – Aug. 10

Engineering on Water Supply Systems (B)”3) Issue-specific training, “Roadcountries, such as Nepal
September 14 – October 12

Infrastructure Management System”

8 trainees from English-speaking
countries, such as Afghanistan

4) Country-specific training, “Strengthening
Capacity to Formulate Community

8 trainees from English-speaking

October 28 – November 8

Development Plans in Mali”

9 trainees from French-speaking
countries, such as Mali

Trainees taking the Road Infrastructure Management
System course receive field training on bridge
inspection in Kimobetsu

Kurdish trainees taking the Comprehensive
Engineering on Water Supply Systems course inspect
a water purification plant

Trainees taking the Road Infrastructure Management
System course inspect Japan’s first concrete
breakwaters (Otaru)

After inspection of Michi-no-Eki Niseko(Strengthening capacity to formulate community
development plans in Mali)

2. Preliminary field survey for the JICA Partnership Program
HIECC conducted a preliminary field survey for the JICA Partnership Program (commissioned by
JICA Hokkaido) to establish the business structure required to manage tap water in Pokhara,
Nepal, which was scheduled to be implemented by partnering with Sapporo City Waterworks
Bureau. HIECC also exchanged opinions on the project policies and possible projects with its
counterparts, Nepal Water Supply Corporation and the Social Development Research Center(SDRC).

Courtesy visit of Dr. Bhupendra (center), General
Manager of Nepal Water Supply Corporation(Kathmandu)

Visit with Mr. Amil (center right), Head of the
Pokhara Branch Office of the Nepal Water Supply
Corporation, the proposed site of the project

3. Hosting of trainees from overseas
HIECC hosted descendants of emigrants from Hokkaido living in South America as technicaltrainees and provided technical training.
Trainees: 2 (1 from Paraguay, 1 from Argentina)
Institutions for training: Faculty of Law, Hokkai-Gakuen University; Hokkaido Culinary
School, Miyajima Gakuen

Presentation on the Labor Law in Paraguay to
Toshimasa Yasukata,President of Hokkai-Gakuen University

A trainee from Argentina preparing tempura

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. 86 – 87).

Promotion of International Mutual Understanding
1. Convening a lecture on international understanding
HIECC held a lecture on the theme of “Inauguration of direct flight service between Hokkaido andHelsinki - Considering Hokkaido as a gateway” to promote international understanding after an
ordinary general meeting of Finnair following its decision to launch a direct flight service between
New Chitose and Helsinki.
○ June 25 (Tue.), Sapporo
Keio Plaza Hotel
Participants: 100○ Lecture: “Inauguration of direct flight service between Hokkaido and Helsinki - Considering
Hokkaido as a gateway”○ Lecturer: Hiroaki Nagahara, General Manager, Finnair Japan

Presentation on the Labor Law in Paraguay
to Toshimasa Yasukata,President of Hokkai-Gakuen University

A trainee from Argentina preparing tempura

2. Convening northern regions seminars
In collaboration with other organizations, seminars were organized to raise awareness of theaccumulated knowledge and experience concerning the industrial economy and lifestyles ofnorthern countries with a similar climate as Hokkaido, and to exchange information on regional
development.
○ 1st Seminar: April 26 (Fri.), Meeting room, Kaihatsu Koei, Co., Ltd.
Participants: approx. 50○ Lecture: Exchanges between Karolinska Institute and the Faculty of Advanced Life Science,
Hokkaido University
Lecturer: Masataka Kinjo, Professor, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University
Co-host: Hokkaido Sweden Society○ 2nd Seminar: May 28 (Tue.), International Convention Center Pamir, Sapporo Prince Hotel
Participants: approx. 60
Sweden Seminar○ Speech and lecture by embassy chargé d'affaires
Victoria Forslund Bellass, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Sweden○ The Way of Thinking on the Difference between Rich and Poor and on National Welfare - Whatis the situation in Sweden? How is it in Other Countries?
Masanao Meguro, Secretary-general of the Hokkaido Sweden Society○ “Beyond 2018” In consideration of the 150 years of Japan and Sweden relations – Suggestion
for the Future
Kazuhiko Kawasaki, Professor emeritus of Tokai University
Co-host: Swedish Center Foundation

Victoria Forslund Bellass gives a lecture

Kazuhiko Kawasaki taking questions from participants○ 3rd Seminar: December 17 (Tue.), Hokuyo Bank Seminar Hall
Participants: approx. 130
Theme: Connecting Hokkaido and Finland○ Keynote speeches: Strengthening of the partnership between Hokkaido and Finland beyond borders○ Lecturer: Pekka Orpana, Ambassador of the Republic of Finland
Co-host: Hokkaido Japan-Russia Association
Panel discussion:○ Mitsuo Iguchi (Honorary advisor of Hokkaido Finland Society)○ Kaoru Shiraishi (Director of JETRO Regional Management Center)○ Akio Ito (Professor, Hokkai School of Commerce, Chairman of Hokkaido Society of Regional
Tourism)○ Akira Kimoto (Specially appointed Deputy Director General of Hokkaido Research Institute for
the Twenty-first Century)○ Co-host: Hokkaido Government, Hokkaido Finland Society, Hokkaido EU Association

Ambassador, Pekka Orpana gives a lecture

Panel discussion*The 4th Northern Regions Seminars, “Promotion of Exchanges between Hokkaido and Regions in
Russia” scheduled for Wednesday, February 26 was canceled due to the spread of COVID-19.

3. North Pacific Region Advanced Research Project
Seminars on important themes related to politics, economy and diplomacy in Northeast Asia wereorganized, and researchers and other concerned people were invited as guests.
Seminar on the International Situation
June 14 (Fri.), Hokkaido University Conference Hall Small Auditorium
Participants: approx. 80
Theme: Meaning of the Peace Deal between Russia and Japan – Considering the Future of theRelationship between Japan and Russia○ Lecture 1: Why Negotiations are not Advancing: Considering Japan’s Diplomacy toward Russia○ Lecturer: Akihiro Iwashita (Professor, Hokkaido University Slavic-Eurasian Research Center)○ Lecture 2: Japan-Russia Relations and Territorial Disputes from the Perspective of Northeast
Asian Security○ Lecturer: Shinji Hyodo (Director, Regional Studies Department, National Institute for
Defense Studies)○ Co-host: The Association for the Inter-Regional Study Between Japan-Russia and HokkaidoRussian Far East, Hokkaido University Slavic-Eurasian Research Center

Akihiro Iwashita taking a question from a participant
Ambassador, Shinji Hyodo, gives a lecture*The international symposium, “Northeast Asia Situation – Japan and South Korea,” scheduled on Thursday,
March 26 was canceled due to the spread of COVID-19.

4. Consular Exchange Promotion Projects
To promote internationalization of Hokkaido, as the executive office of the Council of Foreign
Consular and Trade Offices in Hokkaido, HIECC provided various projects in collaboration with
consulate-generals, consulates, trade offices and honorary consuls in Hokkaido.
1) General meeting of the Council of Foreign Consular and Trade Offices in Hokkaido
July 5 (Fri.), International Convention Center Pamir, Sapporo Prince Hotel
2) School visit project
Following requests from junior high and high schools in Hokkaido, consul-generals andother staff of consulate-generals visited the schools to introduce outlines of their countries’
life and culture and to implement exchange programs to broaden the students’ global insight.
○ July 18 (Thu.), Tomakomai Ryokuryo Junior High School○ August 20 (Tue.), Tomakomai-Minami High School○ August 26 (Mon.), Ebetsu Daiichi Junior High School○ September 5 (Thu.), Tomakomai Chuo High School○ December 12 (Thu.), Sapporo Kohoku Elementary School’s Branch School Himawari

3) International Week
In collaboration with the staff of the Council of Foreign Consular and Trade Offices in
Hokkaido, panels and film materials were exhibited and performances to introduce culture,such as ethnic dances and music performances, were implemented to introduce the culture
and the history of each country. In addition, to promote greater visibility or the presence ofconsulate-generals, opportunities to interact with consul-generals from each country werealso provided, developing cross-cultural exchanges and international understanding.
Period: November 20 (Wed.) – 22 (Fri.)
Venue: Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway
Participants: approx. 11,000 (total number)

Ribbon-cutting ceremony

Flamenco dancing by staff of the Honorary
Consulate of Spain4) New Year’s party
A New Year’s party was attended by staff of the Council of Foreign Consular and Trade Offices in
Hokkaido, officials of the Hokkaido Government, other government officials, including those from
Sapporo City, and other representatives from the business community of Hokkaido, universities andthe media as well as representatives from international exchange and cooperation bodies.
January 21 (Tue.)
Participants: 74
International Convention Center Pamir, Sapporo Prince Hotel○ Organizer greetings: Honorary Consul of the Honorary Consulate of New Zealand in Sapporo(Deputy Chairman of the Council of Foreign Consular and Trade Offices in Hokkaido)○ Guest greetings: Vice Governor of Hokkaido, Vice Mayor of Sapporo○ New Year’s Toast: Director-General of METI Hokkaido

Greetings by Masanori Aoki, Deputy Chairman of theCouncil (Honorary Consul of New Zealand)Participants having conversations at the party

5. “Hoppoken” magazine, annual report, Hoppoken special edition
HIECC published this edition of its magazine with an international theme relating to Hokkaido
and distributed it to members and international exchange bodies in and outside Hokkaido.
○ “Hoppoken” Vol. 186 published in September 2019

○ “Hoppoken” Vol. 187 published in March 2020

○ “Hoppoken” extra edition of the 2019 annual report
Since the magazine has come to be published twice a year,
HIECC made efforts to transmit timely international
information as an extra edition of the 2019 annual report.

6. International information network system
On its website, HIECC widely transmitted information on international exchanges and cooperation.
Facebook was also utilized to provide on-time information on HIECC projects and to introduce theresults of the projects under HIECC Topics.
Access number to the website: April – March, monthly average: 3,100
URL: https://www.hiecc.or.jp/index.html

Top screen of the HIECC website

Screen of Facebook of HIECC

7. Research study and collection of resource materials
HIECC participated in various projects relating to economical exchanges to conduct studies andto collect information, and transmitted the study results in the Hoppoken magazine and its
website.
1) Field survey in Finland on the inauguration of the direct flight service between New Chitose and Helsinki
HIECC conducted a field survey by visiting the related organizations, including Finnair, to consider theinbound and outbound possibilities following the inauguration of the direct flight service between Helsinki
and New Chitose by Finnair. Since 2019 also commemorated the 100th anniversary of the establishment of
diplomatic relations between Japan and Finland, HEICC exchanged opinions on the possibility of deeper
exchanges between Hokkaido and Finland with officials of the Finnish Japanese Society in Finland. HIECC
officials also interviewed officials of the Embassy of Japan in Finland and Sámi Museum in Inari andJapanese company managers in the country.

Jonne Lehtioksa, Vice President of Finnair,
enthusiastically talks about the inauguration of thedirect flight service at the head office of Finnair.

Risto Renkonen (Dean, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Helsinki), Chairman of the PauloFoundation, of which HIECC has been a member
since the 1980s, receives a certificate of gratitude.

Sámi Museum in Inari in the northern region, which
had a strong relationship with the former National
Ainu Museum.

Officials of Finnish Japanese Society with whom
HIECC has relations since it was the Northern
Regions Center.

2) Study of the possibility of new fields of economical exchanges in the Siberian region, Russia (commissioned
by METI Hokkaido)
To assess the feasibility of new business ventures from Hokkaido and new fields of economical exchanges in
the Siberian region, HIECC listed three fields; health, the environment and food, as potential new economical
exchange targets following the technologies for cold regions and the IT industry in Novosibirsk of the Siberian
region, and surveyed and analyzed the details of the local environment for the projects and needs for them,widely transmitting the results to Hokkaido industries.

Meeting with officials of Novosibirsk in the Siberian region

Visitors to HIECC(1) Country(2) Date(3) Title(4) Name (honorifics omitted)(5) Purpose of visit(1) Brazil(2) April 15, 2019(3) International Student who is a Descendant of Former Emigrants from Hokkaido Abroad(4) Karen Oneri Suzuki(5) Courtesy visit(1) Argentina(2) June 2, 2019(3) Hokkaido Government Overseas Trainee(4) Nicholas Leonardo Matsubara(5) Courtesy visit(1) Paraguay(2) June 2, 2019(3) Hokkaido Government Overseas Trainee(4) Midori Christina Shimakura Tsuchida(5) Courtesy visit(1) South Korea(2) July 11, 2019(3) Gyeongsangnam-do Athletic Association(4) Seo Jung-Rack, Head of the association and another members(5) Courtesy visit(1) South Korea(2) July 11, 2019(3) Gyeongsangnam-do Mini Volleyball Association(4) Kim Jeomsu and 13 other members(5) Courtesy visit(1) China(2) December 11, 2019(3) Heilongjiang Youth Exchange Delegation(4) Wu Yonggang, Director of Foreign Affairs Office and 14 other members(5) Courtesy visit(1) Brazil(2) January 27, 2020
(3) Brazil-Hokkaido Culture and Welfare Association(4) Ichiro Oston Hirano, No. 2 Deputy Chairman, and 10 other members(5) Courtesy visit(1) Argentina(2) January 30, 2020
(3) Argentine Youth Exchange Delegation(4) Margarita Kuki (delegation head) and 5 other members

(5) Courtesy visit(1) Finland(2) February 3, 2020
(3) Counsellor of the President(4) Juhani Lillberg(5) Courtesy visit

Mr. and Mrs. Juhani Lillberg (center) and Masahiro Echizen, Senior Director of HIECC (center right)

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) 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 the Federative Republic of Brazil(2) Restorative Dentistry, Dental Department, Hokkaido University
Kita 13-jo Nishi 7-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-8586 Japan+81-11-706-4261

(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. YAMAUTI Monica(4) Aug. 2019(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+81-11- 232-1117(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. MATSUI Masanori(4) Jul. 2019(1) Honorary Consulate of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic in Hakodate(2) Wakamatsu-cho 7-15, Hakodate, 040-0063 Japan+81-138- 23-1181(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. KUBO Toshiyuki(4) Dec. 2019(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+81-11-614-8090(3) Honorary Consul: Ken Luis Tobe
(4) Jun. 1983
(1) Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Chile in Sapporo(2) Kamori Bldg. 3, Kita 4-jo Nishi 4-chome 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0004 Japan
Tel: +81-11-232-0639(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. KAMORI Kimihito(4) Jun. 1994
(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 060-0003 Japan
Tel: +81-11-219-7721(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. YOKOUCHI Ryuzo(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) SR Bldg. 3F, Minami 1-jo Higashi 2-chome 8-2, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-0051 Japan
Tel: +81-11-222-3572(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 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+81-11-382-8459(3) Honorary Consul: Mr. SHIMIZU Chikayuki(4) Oct. 2017
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

2020 Annual Report
Date of issue: September 2020
Publication/compilation:
Hokkaido International Exchange and Cooperation Center (HIECC)
Print: Asahi Print Co., Ltd.