The warning sign prohibiting entry to Biei farmland is written in Traditional Chinese — is it meant for Taiwanese people?

▲ A warning sign standing next to Biei farmland displays the large red characters “Absolutely Do Not Enter the Farmland.” (Photo /Wise LeeProvided)

Reported by Huang Shiyuan / Comprehensive Report

Since Taiwan opened its doors to tourists from mainland China, the often rule-breaking behavior of mainland visitors has led many Taiwanese to believe they are the least public-spirited. However, a “No Entry” sign near Biei’s farmland in Hokkaido suggests that those lacking civic awareness might also include Taiwanese, as the sign is entirely written in “Traditional Chinese,” not the “Simplified Chinese” commonly used in mainland China.

This warning sign, featuring ten large red characters that read “Absolutely Do Not Enter the Farmland,” is planted next to a lush green field. Below it are two smaller lines of text: “Farmland is private property of farmers” and “Biei Town · Biei Town Tourism Association.” Since the sign is neither in Simplified Chinese nor includes English, it is clearly directed at Taiwanese tourists. After this photo was shared by the Facebook page “Japan Independent Travel Junkie,” many netizens’ first reaction was one of shame — realizing that Taiwanese people’s civic awareness is not much better, to the point where it has drawn such disdain from Japanese farmers.

Although not all those trampling on farmland in Hokkaido are Taiwanese, there is no denying that some travelers from Taiwan lack civic awareness. For example, the “Heavenly Road” and “Chen Cheng-po’s Big Tree” in Chihshang, Taitung, which gained fame after a commercial starring Takeshi Kaneshiro was filmed there, have seen visitors blocking roads, disrupting traffic, and even littering — with discarded plastic bottles found in the fields. Locals were so angered they considered cutting down the famous tree to avoid further disturbances. Additionally, the “Jimi Square” near Yilan Railway Station, which opened at the end of June, quickly faced issues such as broken handles on exhibits and people climbing on luggage to take photos.

Whether it’s the Traditional Chinese warning sign in Hokkaido, the incident of the Chen Cheng-po’s Big Tree being nearly cut down in Taiwan, or the damaged handles at Jimi Square, all prove that civic awareness among Taiwanese people still needs improvement. Perhaps it’s difficult to change everyone’s mindset all at once, but you can start with yourself — gradually influencing family and friends — and always adhere to local rules when traveling.