New ferry linking Taiwan with Japan's Okinawa launched

A ceremony was held Thursday to launch a ferry route between Taiwan and Japan's Okinawa, restoring the direct service between Keelung and Ishigaki Island after an 18-year hiatus.The ceremony in the northern Taiwanese port city of Keelung was attended by dignitaries including lawmakers and city officials and featured a lion dance performance.Speaking to reporters, Deputy Mayor Chiu Pei-lin expressed hope that the new service will bring more Japanese visitors to Taiwan, saying that the city had "prepared many wonderful attractions" and looked forward to welcoming tourists.Ishigaki Mayor Yoshi…READ FULL ARTICLE