Japan’s first lady Akie Abe praises strong relationship with Hong Kong

Hongkongers urged to visit the neighbouring nation’s less-travelled regions during ceremony marking the opening of the Autumn Festival

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(From left) Director-General International Bureau of Liberal Democratic Party of Japan Kazunori Tanaka, Ambassador and Consul-General of Japan Kuninori Matsuda, first lady of Japan Akie Abe, Acting Chief Executive of HKSAR Carrie Lam and member of Hong Kong Legco Tommy Cheung Yu-yan attend the opening ceremony of Japan Autumn Festival in Central on Friday. Photo: Paul Yeung

Published: 6:28pm, 14 Oct 2016Updated: 6:28pm, 14 Oct 2016

In a rare visit to the city, Japan’s first lady Akie Abe said Hong Kong and Japanese relations would become more crucial in the coming years as the neighbouring nation faces economic challenges.

At a ceremony marking the launch of the inaugural Japan Autumn Festival at Exchange Square in Central on Friday, Abe emphasised the importance of trade and tourism between the two territories.

She said she hoped Hongkongers visit the less-travelled areas of Japan, which are currently experiencing a declining population and slowing economy.

Akie Abe, wife of the Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, urges Hongkongers to visit less-travelled regions of Japan at the opening ceremony of Japan Autumn Festival in Central. Photo: Paul Yeung

“I hope that Hong Kong people will visit local areas in Japan that people seldom visit,” Abe said. “I hope the festival will deepen the relationship between Hong Kong and Japan and attract as many visitors as possible.”

The two-month festival, which is set to become an annual event, will feature over 130 attractions including music, movies, art, sports, food and beverage.

Speaking at Friday’s ceremony, Chief Secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-nor said trade and tourism between Hong Kong and Japan is a “telling statement” of the strong relations between the two territories.