Banciao Summer Carnival Grandly Launches: Experience the Charm of Taiwan-Japan Exchange

The 'Banciao Summer Carnival' integrates a tourism and local products exhibition from seven Japanese cities, with just one day remaining on August 30. Residents who love Japanese culture and cuisine should not miss this summer event at Fuzhong Plaza in Banciao, New Taipei City. This year, seven sister cities—Kumamoto Prefecture's Yamaga City, Akita Prefecture's Yuzawa City, Toyama Prefecture's Uozu City, Saga Prefecture's Tosu City, Kagawa Prefecture's Zentsuji City, Yamagata Prefecture's Shinjo City, and Fukushima Prefecture's Bandai Town—are participating, setting up over 30 booths with diverse stage performances and a special lantern exhibition showcasing both Taiwanese and Japanese styles. The public is warmly invited to experience the charm of Taiwan-Japan friendship.

Ko Ching-Chung, Deputy Secretary-General of New Taipei City, stated that the 'Banciao Summer Carnival' has entered its fourth year, evolving beyond a simple summer festival into a platform for international exchange and urban cultural collaboration. The event opened with traditional Japanese performances—'Uozu Choronyu Dance' and 'Yamaga Lantern Dance'—followed by Ko presenting a 'Taiwan-Japan Friendship' appreciation plaque crafted from Taiwanese Acacia wood to the seven Japanese sister cities, symbolizing enduring warmth and friendship.

The traditional 'Butterfly Rokku Dance' from Uozu, Toyama Prefecture, kicked off the festivities with vibrant energy. Photo courtesy of Banciao District Office, New Taipei City Government.

Female dancers from Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture, delivered a graceful performance of the 'Yamaga Lantern Dance.' Photo courtesy of Banciao District Office, New Taipei City Government.

Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture, which established a sister-city relationship with Banciao in October last year, was represented by Vice Mayor Ishiguro Yuichi. He introduced popular tourist attractions such as the Uozu Aquarium and the Uozu Buried Forest Museum, shared promotional offers, and warmly invited visitors to attend next August's 'Ship-Shaped Ten Thousand Lantern Festival,' the city's largest annual event.

Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture, was represented by Vice Mayor Araki Michihiro, who highlighted the 'Zentsu-ji Temple,' a site with over a thousand years of history. As the birthplace of Kobo Daishi, founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, and a key stop on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, the city showcases deep cultural heritage. He also recommended tasting the region's iconic dish—Sanuki udon noodles.

Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture, was represented by Section Chief Saeki Honoka, who introduced the summer highlight 'Yamaga Lantern Festival' and the winter illumination event 'Yamaga Lantern Romance: Hyakka Hyakusai.' She invited visitors to not only enjoy the 'Hyakka Hyakusai' umbrella lantern art installation co-created with Banciao at Fuzhong Plaza but also to visit Yamaga City to experience its romantic streetscape infused with Edo-period charm.

Tosu City, Saga Prefecture, was represented by Deputy Director Furusawa Osamu, who introduced 'Salonpas,' a widely known pain relief patch originally derived from the 'Asahi Bankinden' medicine. He demonstrated creative application methods on-site and recommended visiting the 'Nakato Memorial Pharmaceutical Museum' to explore Japan's pharmaceutical culture and development from the Edo period to today.

The Banciao District Office noted that in addition to local specialties from Northeast, Kansai, Hokuriku, Shikoku, and Kyushu regions brought by the city halls, the event offers daily limited free food experiences including Korean spicy chicken noodles, grilled sausages, and dorayaki. Visitors can also enjoy dressing up in Japanese and Hanfu costumes for photos and admire the Taiwan-Japan themed lantern displays. No need to board a plane—come with friends and immerse yourselves in a vibrant summer atmosphere and savor international flavors.

Silhouette of lantern decorations at Fuzhong Plaza. Photo courtesy of Banciao District Office, New Taipei City Government.