Taiwanese cultural market debuts in Osaka for the first time
Taiwan Plus Culture Market Returns to Osaka, Celebrating Taiwanese Culture and Boosting Tourism
The Taiwan Plus culture market made a triumphant return to Osaka, Japan, on August 9, 2025, as part of Expo 2025 Osaka programming. The market, held over four days in Nakanoshima, showcased Taiwanese culture and strengthened Taiwan-Japan relations.
The market featured a diverse array of exhibitors, including Taiwanese artists, illustrators, and cultural groups. One notable exhibition showcased 50 Taiwanese picture books, representing Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, folklore, daily life, food culture, arts, crafts, and natural scenery. The broader "We TAIWAN" cultural program included 58 groups of Taiwanese and Japanese artists presenting 129 live performances across two weekends.
Emphasis was placed on Taiwanese cultural heritage such as indigenous art, folklore, and food culture. Taiwanese miniature sculptor Chen Forng-shean unveiled a new mini-sculpture symbolizing peace, showcasing the unique artistic items displayed. Picture books and artistic crafts were popular cultural products exhibited.
The market attracted a large crowd, with over 3,000 attendees within an hour of opening, suggesting significant public engagement. The Taipei City Government also promoted tourism during the event, indicating collaboration between trade and cultural promotion.
The decision to hold the market in Osaka this year was made to partner with the Ministry of Culture's "We TAIWAN" cultural program from Aug. 2 to 20. Taiwan's Deputy Minister of Culture Sue Wang visited the market on the opening day, praising its variety of Taiwanese cultural elements such as films and literature.
Next weekend, the market will expand to 60 booths, according to GACC Deputy Secretary-General Huang Jing-hui. Popular items at the market include stuffed a-We toys and gashapons glassware, which make excellent souvenirs for visitors. Food stalls offer delicacies such as Len Jen Bakery, Shang Shin Select, and Wu Deng Jiang braised pork rice. A booth erected by the Tourism Administration offers information on touring Taiwan and interactive game activities.
The Taiwan Plus culture market in Osaka offers a rich cultural program, presenting about 50 picture book exhibitions, many art and craft exhibitors, and live performances designed to promote Taiwanese culture, engage the public, and boost tourism in conjunction with the World Expo 2025.
Travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience can look forward to exploring the diverse offerings at the Taiwan Plus culture market in Osaka, offering about 50 picture book exhibitions, many art and craft exhibitors, and live performances that showcase Taiwan's indigenous art, folklore, food culture, and more. To further enhance the travel experience, one can savor authentic Taiwanese delicacies such as Len Jen Bakery, Shang Shin Select, and Wu Deng Jiang braised pork rice, or take home unique souvenirs like stuffed a-We toys and gashapons glassware from the expansive market next weekend.
