TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Authorities secured the famous Takeshi Kaneshiro tree (金城武樹) in Chishang (池上鄉) Monday (Sept. 22) as Typhoon Ragasa approached Taiwan with increasing winds and rain. The tree, officially named the "Tea Offering Tree" (奉茶樹), serves as a major tourist attraction in Taitung County, Taiwan's southeastern region. Officials prepared the cultural landmark to withstand the anticipated severe weather impact from the approaching storm.
The tree gained fame after appearing in an EVA Air (長榮航空), Taiwan's major airline, commercial in 2014, though it was planted 50 years ago to provide shade for water buffalo. Locals and Google Maps still refer to it as the Takeshi Kaneshiro tree despite its official "Tea Offering Tree" designation. The landmark draws numerous visitors to Taitung annually, boosting the region's tourism economy significantly.
Typhoon Ragasa's outer bands brought rough seas and high waves to Taitung Seaside Park (台東海濱公園), prompting authorities to advise residents to stay 100 meters (109 yards) from shore. Fishermen at Fugang Fishing Port (富岡漁港) secured their vessels while residents collected sandbags to protect homes. The typhoon poses significant threats with strong winds and rain despite not making direct landfall on Taiwan.
The Takeshi Kaneshiro tree, once a small sapling tied to a buffalo, now embodies Taiwan's rural tea offering tradition, a cultural practice of providing refreshments to travelers. Taitung communities remain vigilant as they prepare for the storm, safeguarding cultural landmarks and local heritage. The tree represents the intersection of traditional Taiwanese hospitality and modern tourism development in the region. ◼
