Governor Jintae Kim Visits Hiroshima Youth Culture Center, Strengthening 50 Years of Korea-Japan Friendship

Private Exchange Began Between UNESCO Gangwon Association and Hiroshima Youth Culture Center
Hiroshima Youth Reunite with Governor Kim and Join the "Gangwon-i Naresha" Supporters

On November 4, Jintae Kim, Governor of Gangwon Province, visited the Hiroshima Youth Culture Center to reflect on the 50-year history of youth cultural exchanges between Gangwon Province and Hiroshima, and to discuss ways to further expand future exchanges.

Jin Tae Kim, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, visited the Hiroshima Youth Cultural Center on the 4th and strengthened friendship by making heart gestures with Kanji Tsutsui, Chairman, and other attendees. Provided by Gangwon Province

The Hiroshima Youth Culture Center is a public interest incorporated foundation established in January 1964. Since launching the first Korea-Japan youth exchange program in 1970, the center has carried out various activities to promote international understanding and strengthen friendly cooperation among youth. Its major initiatives include regular Korea-Japan youth exchanges, youth scholarship support, and hosting youth soccer friendship tournaments.

Kanji Tsutsui, Chairman of the center, delivered a welcoming address, expressing his gratitude by saying, "Gangwon Province has provided significant support and cooperation over many years." He added, "When Japanese youth visited Gangwon Province this year, I deeply appreciated that you attended the welcome event and gave them such a warm reception." He continued, "Although I was born and raised in Hiroshima, at least for today, I will be cheering for Gangwon FC." He also stated, "I hope that exchanges in various fields such as education, culture, and sports will continue to develop further in the future."

Kim Siseong, Chairman of the Gangwon Provincial Council, remarked, "The youth cultural exchange between Gangwon Province and Hiroshima Prefecture boasts a rich history of more than 50 years and is a valuable symbol of Korea-Japan private exchange." He added, "The council will actively support private exchanges and international cooperation projects so that young people can pursue their dreams on a broader stage."

Governor Jintae Kim, meeting Japanese students again after about three months, greeted them in Japanese, asking, "Have you all been well?" and expressed his delight. He went on to say, "One of the reasons for my visit to Hiroshima this time is because you invited me, and I wanted to keep my promise to you." He then added, "Today, I would like to invite you to join me in cheering for Gangwon FC at Edion Peace Wing Stadium."

Mayuka Akasaka, a student from Hiroshima Youth, expressed her gratitude for the invitation to the match, saying, "I visited Gangwon Province for six days from August 2 to 7, and on the first day, the governor welcomed us warmly, which made me feel at ease."

She continued, "I was also invited to the provincial government office, where I learned the importance of exchange and how precious human connections are. Tonight, I will cheer wholeheartedly for Gangwon FC, recalling my memories from Korea."

Meanwhile, exchanges between Gangwon Province and Hiroshima began in 1970 as private exchanges between the UNESCO Gangwon Association and the Hiroshima Youth Culture Center. By 2025, a total of 56 exchanges will have taken place, and since 2010, youth soccer friendship tournaments have been held, expanding exchanges into the field of sports as well.