By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network / Reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin
Another chapter has been added to the history of friendly ties between Taiwan and Japan. To express gratitude for the care and assistance provided by people across Taiwan following the 311 Great East Japan Earthquake, and to raise awareness about Taiwan among more Japanese people, the Japanese civil society group "Taiwan Supporters," chaired by Emeritus Professor Goto Kenichi of Waseda University and advised by former chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Association Saito Tsuyoshi, has designed an exclusive mascot for Taiwan—“Taiwander”—to promote the island’s tourism, cuisine, and culture, and to boost Taiwan's global recognition.
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The exclusive mascot “Taiwander,” designed for Taiwan by the Japanese civil society group “Taiwan Supporters.” (Image source / From the Facebook page of TaiwanYingyuanhui)
The adorable mascot “Taiwander,” shaped like Taiwan Island, features decorations on its head representing famous Taiwanese products—bananas, coconut trees, and Phalaenopsis orchids. It is expected to appear at various Japan-Taiwan exchange events such as trade fairs, sports events, and cultural performances. To promote the mascot, the Taiwan Supporters group specially invited renowned Japanese theme song composer Kengo Enomoto to write and compose a theme song tailored for “Taiwander,” titled “‘Taiwander’ of the Southern Island.” Moreover, the group also created two companions for “Taiwander”: the Taiwan blue magpie, a bird species endemic to Taiwan, and the purple crow butterfly. The official website introduces the unique traits of these two companions.
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The cute “Taiwander” has its left foot representing the southernmost tip of Taiwan—the Hengchun Peninsula. (Image source / From the Facebook page of the Association Supporting Taiwan)
The official website provides detailed information about the mascot “Taiwander,” including its height of 205 centimeters, a weight marked as “currently dieting,” a friendly and kind personality, and the special skill of drinking a bubble tea in one go. There are also comics featuring “Taiwander” available for viewing. In addition, the website has a dedicated section introducing information about Taiwan’s geography, climate, history, culture, and transportation. For those who want to see “Taiwander” in person soon, the mascot will make an appearance at the “2014 World Orchid Exhibition” at Tokyo Dome on February 15.
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www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=9594
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Friends of “Taiwander”: the Taiwan blue magpie and the purple crow butterfly. (Image source / From the Facebook page of the Association Supporting Taiwan)