Kumamon Makes First Taiwan Appearance After Earthquake to Promote Kyushu Tourism

Reported and photographed by You T-ru / Taipei

The “Touch the KYUSHU Kyushu Products Exhibition,” organized by the “Kyushu Charm Industry Promotion Committee,” officially kicked off on Thursday, September 1, at the Banquet & Exhibition Hall on the 9F of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taipei Xinyi New World A9. On the opening day (September 1), the most popular mascot from Kyushu, “Kumamon,” was specially invited to appear on-site.


▲ Kumamon attended the exhibition’s opening ceremony to help with the ribbon-cutting.

Kazuyoshi Kawahara, representative of the organizing committee, the Kyushu Charm Industry Promotion Committee, stated that the “Touch the KYUSHU Kyushu Products Exhibition” was initiated in response to the impact of the April earthquake in Kyushu, which affected the region’s tourism and economy. Although most areas have since recovered, the number of foreign tourists has not yet returned to previous levels, and consumer spending has also declined. Aside from showcasing the diverse appeal of Kyushu to the people of Taiwan, the event also aims to deliver accurate information so that visitors can understand the current situation in Kyushu from a more authentic perspective.

For this Kyushu Products Exhibition, the original VR equipment was specially brought over from Japan to the 9F Banquet & Exhibition Hall at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taipei Xinyi New World A9. By simply putting on the VR goggles, it’s like opening a magic door—famous scenic spots from each prefecture appear right before your eyes. Featured products from all seven prefectures are on display, including well-known Fukuoka, as well as lesser-known gems favored by enthusiasts such as Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima.

“Touch the KYUSHU” Kyushu Products Exhibition
Date: September 1 (Thu) – September 14 (Wed), 2016
Venue: 9F Banquet & Exhibition Hall, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taipei Xinyi New World, A9
Products for Sale: Local specialties, food, beverages, and crafts from various regions in Kyushu
Business Hours: Subject to department store hours