A cycling event cohosted by the Ehime Prefectural Government and a major Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer started Friday in Hiroshima Prefecture, looking to promote cycling routes for foreign tourists in the two prefectures around the picturesque Seto Inland Sea.
King Liu, 77, chairman of Giant Manufacturing Co., was among around 50 businesspeople and other visitors from Taiwan participating in the event, which kicked off in the city of Etajima and will cover routes totaling around 265 km through Monday.
Hiroshima Gov. Hidehiko Yuzaki and Ehime Gov. Tokihiro Nakamura are slated to take part Sunday.
The two prefectures are seeking to promote attractive sites in the region for foreign visitors, including the Nishiseto Expressway, commonly known as Setouchi Shimanami Kaido, that links islands in the inland sea with nine bridges, as well as scenic cycling routes.
"I'm looking forward to cycling around the beautiful Seto Inland Sea," Liu said before setting off.
Etajima Mayor Tatsumi Tanaka, 70, said, "I would like to break a healthy sweat and enjoy cycling with everyone else taking part."