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Niigata City Online English Index (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-05) |
 | | Niigata has a long history as a port and is distinguished for being the site of one of only five international ports opened in 1868 when Japan resumed contact with other countries after nearly 250 years of self-imposed isolation. |
| | When Niigata is mentioned, many people often think immediately of the area's delicious rice and sake or the city's beautiful sunsets, but the residents of Niigata themselves take pride, rather, in the spirit of hospitality and community that so distinguishes the city. |
| | In addition, Niigata's conscientious system of social welfare seeks to preserve the dignity as well as the well-being of all of the city's residents. |
| www.city.niigata.niigata.jp /e_page/e_index.html (400 words) |
