Taiwan-Japan Softball Friendly Match Strengthens Bilateral Friendship

The Taiwanese Hwa Hsia Society of New Zealand and the Japan Association jointly hosted the 2025 Taiwan-Japan Softball Friendly Match, which was grandly held on March 16 at the Howick Softball Club. The event invited Director General Kendra Chen of the TECO in Auckland and Consul General Matsui Shinji of the Japanese Consulate in Auckland to deliver speeches and jointly throw the first pitch at the opening ceremony. Director General Kendra Chen expressed that Taiwan and Japan share similar values, both love softball, and always support each other through difficulties, demonstrating a deep friendship. She wished the event a great success. Consul General Matsui Shinji shared that softball was his favorite sport during his childhood and thanked the organizers for making this event possible, which celebrates both friendship and the spirit of sportsmanship. The match attracted nine teams, including six from the Japanese community and three formed by Taiwanese expatriates. The competition was intense and further deepened Taiwan-Japan friendship.