A delegation from Wake town, Okayama Prefecture, Japan, headed by Mayor Hiroshi Ota, visited Shanghai's Jiading district on Sept 24 to celebrate 38 years of friendly relations.

This visit emphasized topics like urban development and sustainable growth, and explored potential cooperation opportunities.

Wang Chao, deputy district head of Jiading, welcomed the delegation and highlighted that since 1987, Jiading and Wake town have cooperated in education, culture, agriculture, and industry. He encouraged further youth exchanges and the growth of new partnerships in smart cities, low-carbon development and new energy technologies.

Ota praised achievements in wisteria planting, youth visits, and business cooperation. Impressed by Jiading's culture, automotive sector, and tech innovation, he urged deeper collaboration in education, urban planning, and industry.

Jiading's Wisteria Garden, with hundreds of plants from Wake town, symbolizes their friendship. The visit strengthened ties and set the stage for future projects.

During their stay, the delegation toured Shanghai Taoliyuan Experimental School, Zhenchuan Middle School, Shanghai Auto Museum, Jiading Wisteria Garden, and Jiading Confucius Temple, experiencing the district's educational innovation, technological vitality, and cultural heritage.