By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
The annual Taipei International Book Exhibition opened on Tuesday, February 6, introducing ten innovations in space, services, events, and promotions that align with this year’s theme, “The Reading Era.” These upgrades mark a significant leap forward compared to previous years.
The Israel Theme Pavilion impressed with a giant book display. (Photo / Taipei Book Fair Foundation, same below)
“We may be small, but our creativity and energy are unmatched in Asia. Thanks to our democratic politics and free society, diverse voices can spark innovation here,” Tsai began her speech by quoting a slogan from the book fair’s website. She also encouraged publishers, saying, “We must promote cross-sector collaboration and the application of technology. Most importantly, we need to encourage people to read more and buy more books. We will work together with the publishing industry, and the winter of the publishing world will pass, just like this recent cold snap.”
President Tsai Ing-wen (third from right), Representative YUval Ben-Arie (far right), Minister of Culture Cheng Li-chun, and Chairman of the Taipei Book Fair Foundation Chao Cheng-ming jointly inaugurate the 2018 Taipei International Book Fair. (Photo / Taipei International Book Fair)
An avid reader herself, President Tsai made a special trip to the book fair for some shopping this year. Even she found unexpected “treasures.” “Because I’m the president, I can’t often visit bookstores. Today, I bought some books to take home and enjoy. I also had an unexpected surprise—I found that one of my favorite online videos, ‘The Emperor’s Harem Life,’ has been turned into a book, so I was happy to buy a copy.” True to her reputation as a cat lover, she also instantly became a “cat slave” upon seeing a book about cats and eagerly added it to her shopping list.
The Israel Theme Pavilion was a major highlight of this year’s book fair, offering both food and literary works that exuded rich exotic charm. Walking through the Time Corridor, visitors encountered best-selling Israeli books such as Anne’s Diary, along with introductions to popular Israeli authors like Noa Yedlin and Gil Hovav, who also made appearances to give speeches during the exhibition.
Israeli artist Hanoch Piven’s illustrations humorously depicted President Tsai, entertainer Chu Ko-liang, and Wonder Woman.
Another highlight was the “interactive installations.” Visitors could take a photo on-site and use the Israeli-developed app “I make” to transform their faces in the artistic style of illustrator Hanoch Piven. The exhibit showcased portraits of President Tsai, the late entertainer Chu Ko-liang, and Israeli actress Gal Gadot, along with VR goggles that let users experience walking the streets of Jerusalem.
The Israel Theme Pavilion was a major highlight of the book fair.
Ten Innovations at the 2018 Taipei International Book Fair
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Innovation 1 |
Theme Country Israel: Six-Sense Creativity |
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Innovation 2 |
“Reading Era” Book Wall in Hall 1, Enhanced Entrance Imagery in Hall 3 |
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Innovation 3 |
Rest Areas Designed for Multifunctionality, Featuring First-Time Food Options |
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Innovation 4 |
Entry via EasyCard, iPASS Card, or icash Card—No Queues |
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Innovation 5 |
AR-Enhanced Experience at the Original Anime Base |
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Innovation 6 |
Digital Theme Pavilion Showcases French Publishing Trends |
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Innovation 7 |
Hall 3 Debuts “Illustrators’ Salon” with 13 Renowned Illustrators |
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Innovation 8 |
Hall 3’s Popular “Children’s Reading Experience Zone” Features Hands-On Activities and Storytelling Rooms |
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Innovative Nine |
Book Fair Bonuses to Welcome the Year of the Dog – Take Photos, Check In, and Enjoy Gifts with Every Purchase |
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Innovative Ten |
City Reading Festival – Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung Join Forces with 180 Reading Events Across Taiwan |
2018 Taipei International Book Fair’s Ten Themed Pavilions
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Pavilion One |
Israel Theme Pavilion |
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Pavilion Two |
Eslite Time Special Exhibition |
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Pavilion Three |
Book Fair Awards Pavilion |
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Pavilion Four |
Digital Theme Pavilion |
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Pavilion Five |
Comics Reality PLUS |
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Pavilion Six |
Taiwan Character Brand Carnival |
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Pavilion Seven |
Youth Creativity Pavilion |
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Pavilion Eight |
Taiwan Picture Book Art Museum |
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Pavilion Nine |
Children’s Reading Experience Pavilion |
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Pavilion Ten |
Quality Reading Materials Theme Pavilion |
The Children’s Reading Experience Pavilion invites families to have fun together with a real-life game concept.
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