First Hong Kong sedan chair race in Japan

A piece of old Hong Kong history was transported to Japan today (October 10) with a festive parade of colourfully decorated sedan chairs through Yamashita Park in Yokohama.

The sedan chairs were modelled on the oldest form of transportation used on the Peak in old Hong Kong.

The first Hong Kong sedan chair race held outside Hong Kong, it attracted thousands of Japanese spectators. The event was sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo, the City of Yokohama and a number of Hong Kong and Japanese community organisations.

The Principal HKETO Representative in Tokyo, Alex Fong, who masterminded the project, said it was a small contribution from the Hong Kong community in Japan to add to the cultural diversity of Yokohama and the country. He hoped it would bring the people of Hong Kong and Japan closer.

Nineteen teams fielded by Hong Kong and Japanese companies and community groups participated in the races.

The winning team from Sumitomo Corporation was awarded a trip to Hong Kong to compete in the original Matilda Sedan Chair Race.

Ends/Sunday, October 10, 2004.