By MOOK Travel Life Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported
Members of AKB48—Katakura Yuka, Kikuchi Ayaka, and Abe Maria—are coming to Taipei to film the travel show “AKB48’s Leisurely Taipei,” where they will introduce beautiful sights and delicious food to Japanese tourists. (Photo provided by Taipei City Government Department of Information and Tourism)
AKS Co., Ltd., the management company for AKB48, stated that since the group’s formation, they have never participated in any event or filming session lasting more than three days either in Japan or overseas. This time marks the first exception as three AKB48 members are traveling abroad to film a four-day, three-night program. Since receiving the Taipei City Government’s invitation for a four-day, three-night shoot late last year, hundreds of AKB48 members expressed strong interest in visiting Taiwan, hoping to promote Taipei and showcase the freshest and most exciting side of the city to the Japanese public.
The show’s theme “Taipei That Makes You Beautiful” will be filmed in the Beitou Hot Spring area. (Photography by MOOK Travel Life Chen Guanxin)
The three selected members—Katakura Yuka, Kikuchi Ayaka, and Abe Maria—all actively sought the opportunity to film in Taiwan. Abe Maria mentioned she is a big eater who dreams of tasting delicious cuisine around the world, and she has long admired Taipei’s food scene. Kikuchi Ayaka, who loves beauty, heard that Taipei offers beauty tips that can make you laugh and cry, and was determined to experience them firsthand. Katakura Yuka, who has visited Taipei many times, was touched by the city’s warm hospitality and insisted on being the guide for the other two, so they could all enjoy the beauty of Taipei together.
The delicacies of Raohe Night Market will soon appear on Japanese TV screens. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
The three members visiting Taiwan this time are core figures among AKB48’s main team and also align with the show’s three major themes. For example, they will experience “Taipei with the Warmth of Home” at the Mei Garden, Bopiliao Historic Block, and Qingtian Street; seek out “Taipei That Makes You Beautiful” in the Beitou Hot Spring area; and enjoy “Taipei, the Feast of Cuisine” firsthand at Raohe Tourist Night Market. It is hoped that as the show airs, Japanese travelers will gain a deeper understanding of Taipei and come to love the city.
The youthful pop culture of Ximending will be introduced to Japanese tourists through the AKB48 members. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
The “AKB48’s Leisurely Taipei” program primarily features shooting locations such as the Beitou Hot Spring area, Raohe Tourist Night Market, and Ximending. Each of the three members searches for their own “life highlights” in Taipei, and together they experience the most touching aspects of the city. Through Taipei’s delicious food, beautiful scenery, warm human interactions, and the blend of modernity and tradition found in everyday urban life, they discover the wonders of Taipei. The show is scheduled to air in Japan in late August.
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