To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and South Korea, the Kyushu District Transport Bureau and the Kyushu Tourism Promotion Organization held the "Kyushu Olle Symposium" on Nov. 20 at JR Kyushu Hall in Fukuoka City. About 300 people participated.

  Takashi Machi, president of JR Kyushu Building Management Co., Ltd. and "Visit Japan" ambassador, introduced some ideas to further human relationship between Kyushu and South Korea in his keynote speech. "Exchanges between individuals are essential as this leads to exchanges between countries. I hope the Olle will be the place of cultural exchanges."

  In the panel discussions, An Eunjoo, the chief of secretariat of the Jeju Olle, and Son Minho, a reporter of JoongAng Ilbo, one of the leading newspapers in South Korea, mentioned that Japanese hospitality is important to attract South Korean tourists. Makoto Takahashi, division director of the Kyushu Tourism Promotion Organization, said that he would like to promote the Olle to tourism markets in the world through Japan-South Korea cooperation.

  Kamiamakusa City Major Takaomi Horie, the Kyushu Olle-certified regional council vice chairman, said there are events handmade by residents in the Kamiamakusa Olle course, leading to deepening relations between residents and South Korean visitors. Michiya Enomoto, tourism director of the Kyushu District Transport Bureau, explained that the Olle is the shared tourism resources between Japan and South Korea, matching health-conscious lifestyle.

  The coordinator of the panel discussions, Sotetsu Sen, professor at Kyushu Sangyo University, summarized that mutual understanding and cultural exchange will help promote exchanges between Japan and South Korea.

Source: The Nishinippon Shimbun Co., Ltd.