
Cultural expo and mascot promote Taiwanese culture in Osaka
The Ministry of Culture is holding a cultural expo in Osaka tha tsaw 16,000 visitors in just two days. It also cooperated with Taiwanese entrepreneurs in Osaka to promote their businesses. In July, Taiwanese people even crowd-funded advertisements on public transportation and created a giant balloon of the expo mascot, A-we, which flew over Osaka to spread awareness of Taiwanese culture.
Whether flying high in the sky or resting on the ground, the Taiwan cultural expo mascot A-we has enchanted the people of Osaka.
A-we merchandise is taking Japan by storm, selling out in just two hours on its first day of sales. The handmade dolls are especially popular, but socks, pins, capsule toys, and hats are all selling out. A-we is popular among people of all ages, mainly because of their love for Taiwan.
Member of public
Taiwan not only has new things, it also preserves a sense of genuine warmth toward others. That kind of sincerity is very moving and makes me want to go to Taiwan again.
Member of public
Taiwan is the best! The people are friendly, and the food is delicious. I’ve been to Taiwan twice before, and thought it was great every time. It really is an incredible country.
Many Japanese visitors not only bought A-we products, but also made sure to collect all the mascot’s virtual looks. By correctly answering questions about Taiwanese culture in an online game, players can win new looks for A-we. There are notices outside the expo hall that visitors can scan to start playing.
Lin Yung-chi
FTV reporter
Through a mobile game, visitors can get new looks for A-we. They can also use a map in the app to explore restaurants run by Taiwanese people in Osaka.
This is mango shaved ice made with Taiwanese Irwin mango. They also offer aiyu jelly made from Taiwanese fig seeds, which is a top choice. They even serve tea from the Alishan mountain range. The owner here is from Chiayi and moved to Japan after getting married. She displays a “We Taiwan” cultural expo poster on the wall, proudly sharing the culture of her homeland.
Chung Tsun-lan
Restaurant owner
I started this business 15 or 16 years ago. There weren’t a lot of Taiwanese people here then, and very few Taiwanese restaurants. So, I thought, why not promote Taiwanese culture, which was my original motivation when starting.
A total of 20 Taiwanese business owners in Osaka cooperated with the Ministry of Culture for the expo. At the expo itself, the enthusiasm and support of Taiwanese people is ever-present.
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2025-08-07