Futian and Iiyama signed a friendly exchange and cooperation memorandum in Japan’s Nagano prefecture in July 2012. 　　Wu, who is in charge of the district’s foreign affairs, headed a delegation to Iiyama between April 23 and 25. 　　“The government can play a supporting role in expanding and deepening nongovernmental contacts,” Wu said at a national gateball sports meeting in Iiyama. 　　Wu said gateball, a croquet-like sport that is popular in Japan, could be a bridge to strengthen cultural and athletic cooperation between Futian and Iiyama.