The aim of the Ambassador 's visit was to get acquainted with the city, to discuss the matters and possible closer cooperation contacts between Japan and Panevėžys in organising cultural exchange, educational programmes. This has to be directed towards the attraction of Japanese tourists to the country and the city. 

"My goal is to present Lithuania to Japanese people and the history of its independence. The period of 1990 was very interesting, thus, I am very glad to have the opportunity to discuss about it with the Mayor of Panevėžys who was the active participant of Sajūdis Movement. I would like to start cooperation contacts between Panevėžys and Japan. We have to proceed with cultural exchange which could turn into partnership between cities", - said the Ambassador of Japan.

The Mayor Rytis Račkauskas has presented cultural, tourism, social and economical situation in the city. 

"We are grateful to the Ambassador for making the name of Lithuania famous in Japan, for seeing not only historical capitals in Lithuania. We are pleased that Lithuanians are considered as diligent, creative people and the possibilities to develop business projects. I hope that the Ambassador will promote the idea of finding city partnerships and business partnerships in Japan",-said the Mayor R. Račkauskas.

"At present, our tourists spend one day in Lithuania: they visit Vilnius, Kaunas, Trakai, the Hill of Crosses and leave for Riga. Meanwhile, I see that Lithuania is larger and richer than our tourists see. I have plans to organise a meeting of tourism agencies from Japan to present the tourism situation in Lithuania",- shared the thoughts H. E. Mr. Toyoei Shigeeda.

After the meeting with the Mayor the Ambassador of Japan visited Art Gallery with the collection of ceramic works and art glass studio "Glassremis".