On July 22, 2026, two teachers and seven students from Hakata High School (Hakata Gakuen) visited the private Hsing Hua High School in Chiayi City, Taiwan. The exchange was covered by Taiwanese news media and published on 12 news platforms in Taiwan.

■ From online friendship to meeting in person
The two schools signed a sister-school agreement in April 2026 and had been building their relationship through online exchanges. This visit was their first in-person exchange since then, and the students greeted one another in Japanese and English as they took the first step toward a new friendship.

■ The exchange
Through a welcome ceremony, school introductions, and group exchanges between students, the visit became a valuable opportunity to learn about each other's cultures and values. Hsing Hua students introduced Chiayi's local culture and their school life in English and Japanese, while Hakata students introduced Fukuoka's culture and life at a Japanese high school. Teachers from both schools also discussed future reciprocal visits, teacher exchanges, and joint online classes.

■ Featured article
"線上情誼化為真實相聚　日本博多學園參訪興華高中深化合作"
(From online friendship to a real reunion: Japan's Hakata Gakuen visits Hsing Hua High School to deepen cooperation)

■ Looking ahead
This exchange was a new step not only for Hakata High School and Hsing Hua High School but also for connecting the next generation of Japan and Taiwan. The Kyushu-Taiwan Future Institute will not let this encounter be a one-time event, and will continue to build the future of Japan and Taiwan together through education, culture, and talent development.

We sincerely thank everyone at Hakata Gakuen and Hsing Hua High School for their cooperation, and the members of the press who covered and published the story.