TOKYO (TVBS News) — The 2023 Taiwan Expo Japan, aimed at showcasing Taiwanese culture and technological prowess, opened on Thursday (Nov. 9) in Tokyo. Hosted for the first time in Japan under the guidance of Economic Minister Wang Mei-hua and Taiwan External Trade Development Council Chairman Huang Chih-fang, the expo features digital transformation and green technologies.
Highlights include a virtual reality (VR) display of "Early Spring" and "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains," masterpieces from the National Palace Museum. Guests can wander among the magnificent mountains and characters depicted using VR glasses. Other notable showcases include a virtual fitting room, and Taiwan-made electric tricycles, among a total of 260 booths.
During the opening ceremony, Chairman Huang channeled the spirit of a baseball player, referencing a quote from Luffy, the protagonist of the popular Japanese manga "One Piece": "Everyone has a dream, go ahead and achieve it."
Huang noted that, according to a survey conducted last year by the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, Japan is the favorite foreign country among Taiwanese. Additionally, a survey by the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan revealed that 75.9% of Japanese citizens feel a close affinity with Taiwan.
Huang pointed out that Taiwan and Japan share common values of freedom, democracy, and respect for traditional culture. He also emphasized the mutual support between the two nations during natural disasters and pandemics.
Key figures from both countries were invited to the opening ceremony, including Taiwan’s representative to Japan Frank Hsieh, International Trade Administration Director Chiang Wen-jo, and National Palace Museum Administrative-affairs Deputy Director Huang Yung-tai.
