I love Taiwan so much!! Mr. Matsukawa Shu from Japan has visited Taiwan 88 times in 37 years

▲Shu Matsukawa, an affectionate Japanese “elderly gentleman,” is a huge fan of Taiwan — so much so that his business card reads, “Taiwan is a wonderful place!” and “I love Taiwan!” (Photo provided by Chiayi City Government)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

At 67 years old, Shu Matsukawa is a Japanese “elderly gentleman” who absolutely adores Taiwan. He fell in love with the country during his first visit at the age of 29, when he came with his parents, and over the past 37 years, he has visited Taiwan 88 times, traveling to nearly every corner of the island. Out of those visits, 52 have been dedicated to


▲Sho Matsukawa (second from left) and his friend Tsung-Wen Tsai meet with Huang Ming-huei, Mayor of Chiayi City (third from left), in a joyful reunion. Mr. Matsukawa presents the mayor with senbei (a specialty snack) from Miyako Island, Okinawa. (Photo / Provided by Chiayi City Government)

Although Sho Matsukawa is not very fluent in Chinese, he communicates with people in Taiwan using handwritten Chinese characters during each of his visits. He mentioned that Chiayi City feels like his second hometown to him, and he often stays there long-term, so he is “not unfamiliar” with Chiayi.

Born in Okinawa, Japan, Sho Matsukawa retired after 32 years of public service seven years ago. Since then, he has visited Taiwan at least once or twice a year, staying for one to two months each time. When traveling in Chiayi, he rents an apartment and a scooter for accommodation and transportation, which not only saves on travel expenses but also allows him to experience life in Taiwan more closely.

His love for Taiwan is also reflected on his business card, which is printed with the words: “Taiwan is a wonderful place ! I really like it ! I love Taiwan ! Go Taiwan !”