TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Japanese actor Satoshi Tsumabuki (妻夫木聰) returned to Taipei Wednesday (Sept. 17) after completing filming in southern Taiwan cities, Tainan and Kaohsiung. Tsumabuki attended a fan meeting, expressing his deep affection for Taiwan and explaining why he says "I'm back" when visiting. The actor has served as Taiwan's Tourism Administration, the government's tourism promotion agency, (觀光署) ambassador for two consecutive years.
Tsumabuki engaged with local residents while enjoying beef soup in Tainan, experiencing Taiwanese hospitality firsthand. He expressed his love for Taiwanese shaved ice, particularly mango flavor, demonstrating his enthusiasm by mixing various ingredients during promotional filming. The actor's interactions showcased his genuine appreciation for Taiwan's local culture and cuisine.
Tsumabuki will attend Tourism EXPO Japan in Nagoya next week, promoting Taiwan's tourism appeal at the Taiwan Pavilion. His ambassadorship significantly impacted tourism, with Japanese visitors to Taiwan reaching 1.319 million in 2024, marking 42% annual growth. The Tourism Administration (觀光署) continues relying on his personal insights and experiences to attract more visitors. ◼
