Relay Talk
MAN Rui (Coordinator for International Relations, Takamatsu City)
Takamatsu City, my second hometown
Takamatsu City in Kagawa Prefecture was the first city I visited in Japan.
My first impression of the city was that it was clean and quiet. The roads were well maintained and there were no cigarette butts or other litter on the ground. It was a completely different atmosphere from the crowded streets of Dalian, my hometown. Perhaps the quiet, relaxed atmosphere suits me, because I have lived in Takamatsu for 18 years—half of my life. You could say it is my second hometown.
During this time, I have seen a number of major changes in Takamatsu, including the development of a new shopping district featuring the longest shopping arcade in Japan, as well as the holding of the Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary art festival held once every three years. I have especially noticed an increase in the number of foreign tourists and a shift in attitudes toward foreign residents. When I first came to Japan, it was very difficult for non-Japanese to find part-time jobs. Without a referral from a more senior mentor, looking for work was not easy. Most of the time, my inquiries over the phone were answered with, “We don’t hire foreigners,” but now I feel it is much easier to find a job, whether part-time or full-time.
In addition, there were not many foreign tourists visiting Takamatsu at the time, but now there are more opportunities to see foreigners in the city. Although the past three years saw a significant decrease in foreign tourists because of the impact of COVID-19, numbers are gradually returning now, and inbound tourism is expected to make a real resurgence.
Personally, I have had many happy, sad, and frustrating experiences in Takamatsu City, my second hometown. Now, they are all precious memories. They are all a part of my life and I will never forget them.
I am fortunate to be working in a job related to international exchange, and going forward, I will continue to do my utmost—no matter how small—to engage in international exchange.
Personally, I have had many happy, sad, and frustrating experiences in Takamatsu City, my second hometown. Now, they are all precious memories. They are all a part of my life and I will never forget them.
I am fortunate to be working in a job related to international exchange, and going forward, I will continue to do my utmost—no matter how small—to engage in international exchange.