Croatian Ambassador to Japan Drago Štambuk received Hiraizumi Mayor Kazuo Takahahsi

Ambassador Štambuk pointed out the link between Korčula and Hiraizumi through Korčula-born Marco Polo, who in his book Il Millione described the famous Konjikido (the Golden Temple) of Hiraizumi. Another tie between Korčula and Hiraizumi is the fact that both cities have submitted a request to enter the UNESCO World Heritage List, and their friendship could strengthen their prospects of entering it.

Ambassador Štambuk also proposed that cooperation be set up between the Island of Korčula and the Iwate Prefecture. Štambuk and Takahahsi expressed a wish for the signing of a friendship agreement between Korčula and Hiraizumi, and Takahahsi invited Štambuk to visit Hiraizumi.