As iconic as the Statue of Liberty? The Taiwanese landmark revered by the Japanese... could it be "this"?

Reported by Reporter You t
ru / Compiled report

The famous landmark in New York City, USA is the Statue of Liberty, while in Tokyo, Japan it's the statue of Saigō Takamori. But what about Taipei’s well-known person-shaped landmark? Yoshimichi, a Japanese national who once worked in Taiwan, often shares amusing illustrations and insights on Facebook about how Japanese people perceive Taiwanese people. Under the theme of “Statues that left a deep impression during travels,” he drew what Japanese people consider to be Taiwan’s famous landmark — and it turns out to be the “Birdman” at Taipei Main Station.


▲ Could this be the Taiwanese landmark in the minds of Japanese people? (Photo / Provided by Yosimichi Iwhata)

Many Japanese travelers visiting Taiwan quickly notice the “Birdman” upon entering Taipei Main Station. This uniquely designed piece of installation art has sparked discussions among numerous Japanese tourists online and has become what they consider to be a “key landmark in Taipei.” Yoshimichi illustrated the “famous landmarks” in the hearts of travelers for New York, Japan, and Taiwan — and Taiwan’s iconic symbol turned out to be this very Birdman, triggering widespread discussion among netizens. Many Taiwanese netizens said they hadn’t even noticed it before, while others commented that the artwork’s striking contrast is so intense that they can’t help but glance at it every time they pass by.

The “Birdman,” featuring a slender white human form topped with an enormous yellow bird head, is the work “Daydreams” designed by artists He Cai Rou and Kuo Wen Tai. With its delicate body, bizarre bird head, and flowing water, the piece expresses the reluctance to grow up too fast, as well as the sense of conflict when suddenly thrust into an incomprehensible world.


▲ The Birdman at Taipei Main Station. (Photo / From the Birdman fan page)

Yoshimichi mentioned that he once worked in Taiwan for three years and has visited Taiwan for travel many times. Since most Japanese people don’t know much about Taiwan, he began drawing comics on Facebook based on his observations of Taiwanese people — not with any intention to mock or ridicule. His comics, often featuring unique perspectives, have attracted many subscribers.