Japan’s mascot design “Taiwan

▲The mascot designed for Taiwan by Japan's "Taiwan Support Group" not only features a design based on the shape of Taiwan's main island that makes it instantly recognizable, but also has the word "TAIWAN" printed on its back, clearly indicating it represents "Taiwan." (Photo / fromTaiwan_wo_Mado_Taikutsu_na_Shoukan/a>)

Japan designed the mascot "Taiwan Dar" specifically for Taiwan in gratitude for Taiwan's assistance following the Great East Japan Earthquake. After being introduced by Taiwanese media, it quickly became a hot topic among netizens,The fan page of "Taiwan Dar"saw its number of likes surge from just over 600 on the 6th to more than 25,000 within just a few days,and the official websiteeven experienced multiple crashes due to the overwhelming traffic.

Many netizens have praised the cute design of "Taiwan Dar" and the thoughtfulness of the Japanese, expressing some surprise that Japan still holds a sense of gratitude for something that happened many years ago. They also remarked that compared to the Taiwanese government, a non-profit organization has done more meaningful work. One netizen commented, "Stop blindly obsessing over little yellow ducks or Yuan Zai, take a look at something from Taiwan itself!" Others compared it to the tourism bureau’s mascot "Taiwan O Bear," saying that "Taiwan Dar" is "better designed than the tourism bureau's version," "no wonder Japan is a master of mascot design," and "it feels more official than the official one."

%The mascot designed by the tourism bureau, "Taiwan O Bear," may not be bad either, but compared to "Taiwan Dar," "Taiwan O Bear" looks a bit plain. (Photo / provided by the Tourism Bureau)

▲Some compared the 7-year-old mascot "Baseball" (right image), designed for the first-ever Taiwan Special Exhibition held by the National History Museum's Taiwan Literature and History Archive, with Japan's "Taiwan Dar." Netizens jokingly said, "Is 'Baseball' actually a deformed SpongeBob?" (Photo / fromIs this how design is done? Fan Page)

In addition to "Taiwan O Bear" being compared, the mascot "Baseball," designed seven years ago by the National History Museum's Taiwan Literature and History Archive for the Taiwan First Special Exhibition, has also resurfaced. Its bright yellow, Taiwan-shaped design paired with a big smiling face, when placed next to "Taiwan Dar," had netizens covering their faces, saying, "This really doesn't hold up to comparison, does it?" Some even sarcastically remarked, "'Baseball' is actually a deformed SpongeBob, isn't it?"

Meanwhile, the Japan Support Group specially invited renowned Japanese composer Kenichi Enomoto to create the theme song "Taiwan Dar of the Southern Island" exclusively for "Taiwan Dar." With its catchy and upbeat melody, the song has become very popular among netizens since its release. The lyrics begin by describing Taiwan as an exotic island rich in food and warm human connections—a healing southern island. It then explains that Taiwan is shaped like a sweet potato, boasts delicious cuisine and a deep historical background, and is the closest island. It also highlights Taiwan’s unique night markets, historical sites, nature, hot springs, and the ability to travel between historic landmarks via high-speed rail.

Complete Lyrics of "Taiwan Dar of the Southern Island"            Translation / Kiya

Want to see, want to eat? Come to Taiwan!
Tai, tai, tai, tai, Taiwan Dar☆
Want to see, want to eat? Come to Taiwan!
Taiwan, Da’an, Taiwan Dar☆

An island shaped like a sweet potato, full of exotic charm and greenery
Abundant fruits, rich human warmth, a healing southern island

Want to see, want to eat? Come to Taiwan!
Tai, tai, tai, tai, Taiwan Dar☆
Want to see, want to eat? Come to Taiwan!
Taiwan, Da’an, Taiwan Dar☆

An exciting and enticing charm, enjoy delicious food heartily, an island shaped like a sweet potato
Rich history, deep human warmth, the closest island to us all.

(Reading) Night markets, hot springs, and comfortable hotels
Treasures of the world, famous sights, historical landmarks, and nature
Travel between ancient capitals by high-speed rail

Want to see and eat? Come to Taiwan!
Tai, tai, tai, tai, Taiwan Da☆
Want to see and eat? Come to Taiwan!
Taiwan, Da’an, Taiwan Da☆

Let’s get along well, hand in hand, staying together forever, Taiwan Da☆
Let’s get along well, hand in hand, staying together forever, Taiwan Da☆

Want to see and eat? Come to Taiwan!
Tai, tai, tai, tai, Taiwan Da☆
Want to see and eat? Come to Taiwan!
Taiwan, Da’an, Taiwan Da☆

%The video file may be temporarily unavailable due to platform restrictions. If deleted on YouTube, please understand.

“Taiwan Da” is scheduled to appear this Saturday (the 15th) at the “2014 World Orchid Exhibition” at Tokyo Dome, starting its promotion of Taiwan to the Japanese public. Many netizens have been looking forward to “Taiwan Da” merchandise. The Taiwan Support Association also announced on its fan page yesterday that related products, including small plush keychains, phone cases, and pins, are currently under production and are expected to go on sale on the official website soon.