Miaoli farmers regenerate cartoon Matsu from colorful rice plants

Miaoli farmers regenerate cartoon Matsu from colorful rice plants

2024-09-26

Yuanli Township has more rice paddies than anywhere else in Miaoli County. The local farmers’ association developed a technique to produce colorful plants, which they use to create eye-catching scenes. For the current second harvest, they’re using ratoon rice for the first time. Farmers successfully recreated an image inspired by the Dajia Matsu, visible in its entirety from above. The field is drawing many visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the goddess.

Within these rice fields are swathes of green stalks interspersed with red. It’s hard to see from the ground, but from a bird’s-eye view, the entire image becomes clear. It’s a cartoon version of the goddess Matsu.

The Miaoli Yuanli Farmers’ Association has created scenes like this out of rice plants for over 20 years. They’ve gotten adept at the skill, but have achieved another breakthrough with this year’s second planting.

Cheng Nien-chun
Yuanli Farmers’ Association
Thinking about sustainability, Dajia has an event at the end of the year, so we kept the Dajia Matsu out of the three we created in the first planting and tested out the feasibility of rice ratooning.

The association tried out rice ratooning for the first time, keeping the dormant buds from the first harvest to speed up growth. With the method, they were able to bring the Matsu image back to life.

Cheng Nien-chun
Yuanli Farmers’ Association
For this season, the year’s second harvest, we were able to regenerate the Dajia Matsu image.

The association regrew the Dajia Matsu to mark the temple’s year-end festival. But another field went a different direction with a cartoon dog and cat. Both adorable and eye-catching, they are a welcome addition to the area’s local attractions.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

苑裡稻田彩繪再突破再生稻完成"Q版大甲媽圖案"

2024-09-26

苗栗苑裡鎮，稻作面積全縣第一，農會更研發稻田彩繪技術，成為地方觀光亮點。這次二期稻作，首次使用再生稻，成功以大甲媽作醮為主題，進行稻田彩繪，空拍全貌曝光，吸引不少遊客，一睹風采。

水稻田內，這裡一處綠色稻，那裡一撮紅色稻，平面看不出來，空拍鏡頭，往上一拉鳥瞰，全景入鏡，綜觀全貌，原來是一尊Q版媽祖圖像。

苗栗苑裡鎮農會，辦了20多年彩繪稻田，技巧相當純熟，今年二期作彩繪，更是有所突破。

[[苑裡鎮農會總幹事鄭年鈞]]
“就考量到延續，大甲年底有活動，所以我們把(一期稻彩繪)三尊媽祖，其中的大甲媽留下來，試驗一下再生稻的可行性與否。”

原來農會首次使用再生稻，將一期稻作的稻田彩繪，留下稻頭，加快生長速度，成功讓媽祖婆Q版圖騰，再現風華。

[[苑裡鎮農會總幹事鄭年鈞]]
“這一期，今年的二期作，我們大甲媽的稻田彩繪，它再生成功。”

苑裡鎮農會，呼應大甲媽，年底作醮，構思主體，另一處稻田，則是卡通貓狗圖騰，可愛登場，同樣吸睛，為地方增添觀光新亮點。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週日至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

Related News

China launches intercontinental ballistic missile into Pacific

China on Wednesday announced it had test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile with a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean. The rare incident is China’s first ICBM launch into international waters since 1980. The US received an advanced notification of the test, but Japan did not. Taiwan’s Presidential Office has strongly condemned China’s actions, saying they undermine regional peace. Let’s hear from China’s Ministry of National Defense.

Zhang Xiaogang
Chinese defense ministry spokesperson
At 8:44 a.m. on Sept. 25, China’s People’s Liberation Army test-launched an international ballistic missile with a dummy warhead into international waters in the Pacific Ocean. The missile landed in the designated area.

Sabrina Singh
US Department of Defense spokesperson
We did receive some advance notification of this ICBM test and we believe that that was a good thing.

Karen Kuo
Presidential Office spokesperson
The government strongly condemns the actions of China’s People’s Liberation Army. China has recently conducted a constant string of military exercises in the region, which threaten the peaceful status quo. We urge China to exercise restraint and abide by international norms to be a responsible member in the region.

Bonny Lin
Center for Strategic and International Studies
China has been objecting to US deployment of a midrange missile system to northern Philippines, the Typhoon Missile System. And the Chinese trajectory of its most recent ICBM test is quite close to northern Philippines. I think that’s one message that China is trying to convey to the Philippines and the United States: Please remove your missiles.

China says its test wasn’t targeted, but has not disclosed the type of missile used. The missile was fired from Hainan, flew over the waters between Taiwan and the Philippines and landed in the Pacific. With a range of almost 12,000km, it can reach into continental US. Experts say the purpose of the test was for China to flex its military muscle to Washington and intimidate Taiwan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-09-26

Japan’s Taiwan Strait transit is message to Beijing: Analysts

A Japanese Self-Defense Force vessel has transited the Taiwan Strait. Though similar transits are relatively common for military vessels from other countries, it is a first for Japan. The destroyer was joined by vessels from Australia and New Zealand, to conduct a joint exercise in the South China Sea. Analysts say the passage was meant as a clear signal to Beijing.

Japan’s NHK reports that a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel has transited the Taiwan Strait. The ship sailed from the north to the South China Sea to take part in a joint exercise with Australia and New Zealand. It’s the first time Japan sails through the waterway. The event has captured media headlines.

Su Tzu-yun
Institute for National Defense and Security Research
It’s the first time that a Japanese Self-Defense Force ship has sailed transited the Taiwan Strait. It sends a clear signal to Beijing. In recent years we have seen an increasing number of vessels from various countries sailing through the Taiwan Strait, including the US, the UK, Canada, Turkey, the Netherlands and Germany. And now Japan. It’s essentially given rise to a coalition of countries that believe maintaining security in the Taiwan Strait is an increasingly important issue.

According to Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, the Japanese destroyer completed the transit on Wednesday, accompanied by military vessels from Australia and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Kyodo News noted that the US regularly sends warships to sail through the area to assert freedom of navigation in international waters. It added that China has been increasing its military activities around Japan.

Lai Shyh-bao
Lawmaker (KMT)
To a certain extent, it means that tensions are on the rise in the Taiwan Strait. To be honest, Lai has been stoking antagonism between the two sides of the strait. Can’t he come up with a way for both sides to sit down for a talk?

Rosalia Wu
Lawmaker (DPP)
The opposition party has missed the point, and is picking on the wrong target. Amid China’s constant military provocations, the opposition party points its finger at its own government. Why don’t they every condemn China for its provocations?

China has ramped up its military intimidation in waters near Taiwan. Critics say the KMT’s take on the issue could send the wrong message to the international community.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-09-26

More food products from Fukushima now eligible for import to Taiwan

Taiwan has lifted an import ban on more Japanese food products from areas affected by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident. Now, mushrooms, foraged greens and wild fowl and game will be permitted to enter Taiwan. The move has met opposition from the Consumers’ Foundation, which wants stricter controls.

Thirteen years after the Fukushima nuclear accident, the Food and Drug Administration has lifted import restrictions on more food products from five Japanese prefectures affected by the disaster. The new rules entered effect on Thursday.

Member of public
If there is enough data on the matter, and the tests conducted are reliable, perhaps that would quell concerns.

Member of public
I think the government has controls to ensure safety. If I had the choice, I’d pick alternatives.

Restrictions had previously been lifted for some food products from the affected areas, including fruits. However, most business that import Japanese fruit say they don’t buy products from Fukushima. The new rules permit the import of wild fowl and game, mushrooms and foraged vegetables.

Yen Tzung-hai
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
I hope the government will continue to monitor the situation, as exposure to radioactive items can increase the risk of cancer.

Wu Jung-ta
Consumers’ Foundation
We have long opposed allowing radioactive food imports from that area. We are concerned that those items could impact the health of the public.

The Consumer’ Foundation has voiced concerns about the lifting of the ban. It says the government should continue to improve its radiation testing systems and crack down on products with incomplete labeling. It also urged consumers to be attentive when making a purchase.

Voice of Lin Chin-fu
Food and Drug Administration
Since the nuclear power plant incident, we have conducted tests on 230,000 batches of Japanese food products at the border. All of them met our standards and Japan’s standards. The failure rate was zero.

The FDA says that any products banned in Japan will also be banned for import. As an added safety measure, products that will no longer be subject to double certification will have to undergo batch testing at the border within the first year.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-09-26

Advanced editing capabilities hasten demand for AI PCs

2024-09-26

First trans teacher honored with Excellent Teacher Award

2024-09-26

Taiwan sea Goddess Mazu meets Virgin Mary in Vatican

Beigang’s Chaotian Temple in Yunlin is celebrating its 330th anniversary with a series of Mazu diplomatic journeys. Temple head Tsai Yong-de and his team departed on Sept. 19 to visit the Vatican, where they met with Pope Francis and presented him with gold and jade Mazu artworks. The gift represents a historic meeting of Holy Mothers from the East and West.

Tsai Yong-de of the Beigang Chaotian Temple personally presents a golden Mazu figurine to Pope Francis, symbolizing a meeting between the eastern Goddess Mazu and the Christian Virgin Mary, bridging thousands of miles.

Tsai Yong-de
Beigang Temple
The union of Eastern and Western Holy Mothers means that the Mazu of Chaotian Temple will soon take residence in the Vatican. Though presented as an artwork, it is hoped that love and peace can truly be realized through this gesture.

The diplomatic journey successfully established a bridge of friendship between Taiwan’s Mazu and the Virgin Mary, opening a door for Taiwan’s religious beliefs on the international stage.

Tsai Yong-de
Beigang Temple
It’s truly moving, as both the Pope and Mazu embody compassion and kindness. I can feel a warm sense of love and its power. Next time, I hope to bring important Taiwanese temples and groups along to step onto the international stage together.

With the assistance of the Taiwan Conference on Religion and Peace, the Beigang Chaotian Temple team journeyed to the Vatican to meet Pope Francis. They presented a gold Mazu statue weighing about 38g, valued at nearly NT$150,000, along with a jade Mazu artwork as part of the commemorative exchange.

The Virgin Mary of Catholicism and our Mazu from Beigang’s Chaotian Temple represent the exchange between different religious realms.

Member of public
The Western and Eastern traditions can unite, showing that religion is one family.

The Beigang Chaotian Temple has taken a historic step by traveling to the Vatican to showcase Mazu, in a uniquely Taiwanese display of religious diplomacy.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-09-26

Luce Memorial Chapel at Tunghai University completes renovations

The Luce Memorial Chapel at Tunghai University was recognized as a national historic site by the Ministry of Culture two years ago, receiving funding for restoration. After two years of repairs, a grand reopening ceremony was held on Thursday, attended by over 300 guests. Among them was Daniel Tsai, an honorary doctor of Tunghai University and chairman of Fubon Group. Tsai has made special arrangements to hold his golden wedding anniversary at the chapel in the future.

The reopening ceremony for the Luce Memorial Chapel began with songs echoing through the church, marking the start of the event.

The Luce Memorial Chapel at Tunghai University was completed in 1963. Designed by the renowned architects I.M. Pei and Chen Chi-kwan, this chapel is famous for its unique structure. It has become a classic in the global architectural community.

Chang Kuo-en
President of Tunghai University
Taichung itself has four national historic sites, most of which are historical buildings. However, what truly sets us apart is that we have been recognized as a national historic site due to the unique features and challenges of our architecture.

However, the passage of time had eroded the chapel’s structure, necessitating urgent repairs. With support from various sectors, the university launched a two-year restoration project, allowing the chapel to reopen for use once again.

Chang Liao Wan-chien
Deputy minister of education
From being designated as a historic building to quickly receiving recognition from the city government as a municipal historic site, and then elevated to a national historic site, this process involves many complex steps. Remarkably, we managed to complete it all in just one year.

Daniel Tsai, chairman of Fubon Group, mentioned that he was admitted to Tunghai University in 1974 and transferred to National Taiwan University the following year. He noted that many of his classmates made a wish back then to one day hold their wedding at this place.

Daniel Tsai
Fubon Group chair
I regret that when I got married, I forgot to return here. So if I have the chance to propose again to my wife, I want to hold our golden wedding anniversary ceremony here.

The Luce Memorial Chapel is not only a spiritual symbol of Tunghai University but also represents the development of modern architecture in Taiwan. It perfectly combines historical culture and architectural innovation.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-09-26

Interview with ‘Weekend in Taipei’ star Gwei Lun-mei

Save the date action movie fans because,“Weekend in Taipei” hit theaters on Sept. 25. The film, which was shot fully in Taipei, stars Luke Evans, Sung Kang, Gwei Lun-mei, and Wyatt Yang. During a promotional tour in Taipei, FTV reporter Stephany Yang sat down with the cast. Stephany interviewed Gwei Lun-mei to find out more about what it was like starring in her first Hollywood film.

Racing through the streets of Taipei, Gwei Lun-mei plays a transporter in Weekend in Taipei. This movie marks Gwei’s first time acting in a Hollywood film.

Stephany Yang
FTV reporter
Can you tell us a little bit about your character in this movie?

Gwei Lun-mei
Actress
It’s an honor to participate in an international production like this, especially since I play such a complex character at different stages in her life. In the early stage of production, I did a lot of preparation for my English lines, because although I can understand English and speak it casually, I think it is still very difficult to convey my own emotions when acting in English. I prepared a lot for my English lines. Luc Besson also helped me a lot.

The character is caught in a love triangle with her old lover, played by Luke Evans, and her husband, played by Sung Kang.

Gwei Lun-mei
Actress
They are all very professional. I had to be very focused when working with them. During shooting, they were always in character. So when I entered the scenes, I had to be completely prepared.

To prepare for the movie, Gwei worked with a technical driving instructor. She says she would like to star in more action movies in the future.

Gwei Lun-mei
Actress
For the driving scenes, we have a very professional team. Luc Besson provided us with a technical driving instructor. He made me feel very safe. Even in the early stage, I drove many different cars, which helped me prepare. I like driving, but I have never driven such a fast car. It’s good to be able to enjoy it through acting. I look forward acting in more action movies in the future.

Scenes were shot at Ximending, Zhongshan Hall, Taipei Performing Arts Center, Taipei Dome, Taipei Music Center, and Taipei City Hall. She said the film allowed her to rediscover Taiwan’s beauty and its hidden gems.

Gwei Lun-mei
Actress
What’s special about this movie is that it was shot in many different areas of Taipei, and my character was also reflected through different places too. She comes from a simple fishing village, and later I moved to Ximending for work, and we see a lot of the pub culture there. Then, we transition to Xinyi District, which is a very modern place. I think it shows how my character’s mindset has changed. This movie will allow people Taipei’s residents to see the city’s beauty of again. If you have lived here for a long time, maybe you will forget our beautiful mountains and rivers. I have seen a completely different and beautiful side of Taipei.

“Weekend in Taipei” was directed by George Huang and co-written with Luc Besson.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-09-26

Tropical storm likely to form on Saturday

2024-09-26