By Eason, reported by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network
As 2015 comes to an end, it’s only natural to look back at the various happenings over the past year. In the area of tourism, besides the new attractions and fun events worth remembering, official mascots have become a crucial part of both promotional campaigns and local identity. Compared to Japan’s adorable and likable mascots like Kumamon and Funassyi, Taiwan’s mascots somehow often come with an extra dose of the “shocking.” Here, we’ve compiled a list of the 2015 mascots that became hot topics.
The shocking Milkfish Boy, whose originally dark eyes were deemed terrifying by the public, has now been given white sclera. (Image source / Yonglong Community, Beimen District, Tainan City)
● Milkfish Boy
The “Milkfish Boy” mascot created by Yonglong Community in Beimen, Tainan City, caused a stir online as soon as photos were released. The fish head features a bizarrely smiling face with pitch-black eyes—and not just any smile, but one that left many netizens wide-eyed. Passersby even described it as scary, comparing it to Chucky the killer doll. It’s arguably the most iconic mascot of 2015.
Milkfish Boy located in Yonglong Community, Beimen, Tainan City. (Image source / I Am a Beimen Islander)
● Banana Man
Banana Man could be said to have given Milkfish Boy some competition. With no facial features and a completely smooth, slime-like appearance, photos of him were posted on PTT under the thread “Rumor has it: Who’s Taiwan’s ugliest local mascot?” sparking heated discussion. He even earned the title of Taiwan’s ugliest mascot. But all the buzz also made this mascot an overnight sensation, with many netizens and locals specifically visiting Qishan just to take photos with the Banana King.
The highly talked-about Banana Man. (Image source / PTT)
● Birdman
An installation artwork located in Taipei Metro (Zhongshan Station Underground Mall). (Image source / Taiwan Yifan)
When it comes to installation art mascots, the Birdman sculpture in Taipei Metro (Zhongshan Station Underground Mall) has also garnered quite a bit of attention. With a slender human body topped with a giant yellow bird head, standing atop green grass, its odd yet amusing appearance is truly memorable. Many netizens also commented that compared to Milkfish Boy and Banana Man, the Birdman artwork is actually much more approachable.