Japanese Tourist Unable to Pay for Hot Springs with New Taiwan Dollars, Actor Chris Chu Steps In to Foster Bilateral Friendship

Taipei, Jun. 29 (CNA) Japanese tourist Kuwabara Akira recently encountered a predicament while visiting a hot spring in Taiwan, unable to pay with New Taiwan Dollars. Fortunately, a young man, identified as actor Chris Chu, stepped in to help. Kuwabara was greatly surprised upon learning this today and expressed his hope for an opportunity to thank him in person.

Kuwabara wrote to the Central News Agency (CNA) stating that during his trip to Taiwan in mid-June, on the last day of his itinerary, he went to a hot spring. To his surprise, the establishment did not accept credit cards or Japanese Yen. He found himself without sufficient New Taiwan Dollars. At that moment, a young Taiwanese man approached him in English, asking if he needed assistance, and ultimately resolved the situation.

In his letter, Kuwabara mentioned that he had received help from many Taiwanese people during his previous travels in Taiwan, and this experience added another fond memory. However, he had forgotten to ask the kind young man's name and hoped CNA could help locate him, as he wished to express his gratitude again.

Upon investigation, the young man was identified as Chris Chu. Through his agent, Chu stated that he helped because he saw the tourist only had Japanese Yen and couldn't enjoy the hot springs. "I felt it was a shame" that a Japanese visitor would come so far to the mountains and be unable to experience the hot springs, he said, expressing his hope that the tourist felt relaxed after his soak that day.

Kuwabara told CNA reporters that he was very surprised to learn that the young man was an actor. "I believe it is precisely because he possesses such a kind and warm heart that he has gained so much support and affection from the Taiwanese public in his acting career."

He added that on his next visit to Taiwan, he would definitely want to watch movies or TV dramas starring Chris Chu. If given the opportunity, he also hopes to thank Chu in person for his help and care. "Please share this story with all Taiwanese friends, thank you everyone." (Editor: Li Ming-tsung) 1150629

Stand with facts, your every donation is a force to protect press freedom

Download the CNA "First Hand News" APP to get the latest news in real-time

This website's text, images, and videos may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.