Muroran *Furusato Supporters(Ta-i-shi)

The City of Muroran seeks the Muroran *Furusato Supporters (**Ta-i-shi), the title or special role who has promoted and support Muroran, either born or grown in Muroran or are well acquainted with the city. We especially desire people who are active both domestically and abroad in various fields such as sports, culture, economy, etc. We are honored when the Muroran Furusato Supporters provide valuable advice and information on how to make Muroran a better place. We also appreciate and award this special title to the people who promote Muroran well. We believe this positive attention will revitalize Muroran as an attractive city.

As of now, we are working with 35 people that became Muroran supporters and have already received many valuable ideas.

*furusato: a place dear to ones heart; their spiritual home

**Ta-i-shi: (to translate literally in English) ambassador or special envoy

Japanese page of "Muroran Furusato Ta-i-shi

 

Two Knoxville, Tennessee, USA citizens have joined
the ranks of Muroran Furusato Supporters!

The City of Muroran welcomes two active Knoxville, Tennessee, USA citizens as Muroran Furusato Supporters. Mr. Darrel D. Akins and Mr. J. Paul Watkins are recognized for their longtime support of the sister city relationship between Knoxville and Muroran.

Mr. Darrell D. Akins

Profession: Former President of the Muroran Club in Knoxville, founder and CEO of Akins Public Strategies (www.akinsps.com), and executive manager of Tennessee Valley Corridor, Inc.

Visited Muroran 5 times (1988, 1996, 1998, 2000, and 2007), including the first visit in August 1988 when the American Train came to Higashi Muroran Station.

Mr. J. Paul Watkins

Profession: Degrees in Liberal Arts, Fine Arts (Painting) and Art Education. Taught Art for 9 years at High School level and Art Education for 31 years at University of Tennessee Retired from University of Tennessee in 1998 with honorary title: Professor Emeritus. Professional Potter and Calligrapher.

Visited Muroran 8 times: 1993 (with 14 faculty from University of Tennessee), 1996 (with Mayor Ashe Delegation), 1998 (exhibition of his pottery and with Mayor Ashe Delegation), 2002 (with Mayor Ashe Delegation), 2005 (with 3 jazz musicians), 2009 (with 3 UT jazz faculty musicians), 2012 (with 2 jazz musicians), and 2017 (with Mayor Rogero Delegation).

Related links:

• City of Knoxville Official Website（外部サイトへリンク）
• City of Knoxville Official Facebook Page （外部サイトへリンク）
• Visit Knoxville Website（外部サイトへリンク）
• Ambassabear：A Special Ambassador from Knoxville