Osaka Celebrates Taiwan’s Culture At Taiwan Plus Festival

Published on September 24, 2025

The Taiwan Plus cultural festival, created to deepen Taiwan-Japan ties, just wrapped up its first edition in Osaka, Japan. Backed by the Taiwan General Association of Chinese Culture (GACC) and the Ministry of Culture’s We TAIWAN Expo 2025 program, the festival highlighted the island’s vibrant cultural treasures. By debuting in Japan, the festival has quickly become a central part of Taiwan’s cultural diplomacy, with promoting the island as a travel hotspot as a main goal.

In just four days, the festival became a giant cultural exchange hub, attracting more than 100,000 visitors. Guests explored a sweeping showcase of Taiwanese brands, products, and customs, gaining fresh insights and appreciation of the island. The program featured everything from traditional crafts and mouth-watering snacks to modern design, clearly presenting Taiwan as a lively cultural destination ready to welcome Japanese explorers.

A Strong Bridge Between Taiwan and Japan

Taiwan and Japan have long shared a deep cultural and economic relationship. The launch of Taiwan Plus in Osaka marks a significant milestone in this partnership, underlining the role of cultural events in fostering tourism. Visitors were introduced to the diverse offerings of Taiwan, from its art and culinary traditions to its modern, eco-conscious designs.

Taiwan’s involvement in Expo 2025 Osaka through the We TAIWAN program further solidified the country’s position as a hub for tourism in Asia. The cultural showcases were designed to attract Japanese visitors by offering them direct access to Taiwan’s unique blend of tradition and innovation. The event, effectively termed the Taiwan Pavilion beyond the Expo, positioned Taiwan as a leading travel destination for Japanese tourists seeking a blend of history, culture, and sustainability.

Promoting Taiwan’s Sustainable Tourism Vision

One of the central themes of the Taiwan Plus festival was sustainability, reflecting Taiwan’s ongoing commitment to promoting eco-friendly travel and tourism. Many exhibitors proudly displayed sustainable practices within their products and services, from eco-conscious packaging to the promotion of environmentally responsible tourism activities.

Sustainability is a significant aspect of Taiwan’s tourism strategy, with many local businesses embracing green tourism practices to appeal to the growing demand for responsible travel. This emphasis on sustainability resonates with Japanese tourists, who increasingly prioritise eco-friendly travel options. By introducing sustainable tourism to Japanese visitors through Taiwan Plus, the event successfully promoted Taiwan’s image as a forward-thinking and environmentally aware destination.

Taiwan’s Cultural Diversity Shines at Taiwan Plus

Taiwan Plus was not only an opportunity for cultural exchange but also for tourists to experience the diverse facets of Taiwan. The exhibition featured a broad array of activities and presentations, from live performances to interactive demonstrations of Taiwanese handicrafts. The event allowed visitors to immerse themselves in Taiwan’s cultural traditions while exploring new innovations in design, fashion, and technology.

The festival was a rich showcase of Taiwan’s cultural identity, featuring more than 100 Taiwanese brands, marking the largest presence of Taiwanese exhibitors in Japan to date. This represented not only Taiwan’s creative spirit but also its growing influence as a cultural and tourism destination. By bringing Taiwanese culture directly to Osaka, the event allowed Japanese attendees to connect with Taiwan in a personal and meaningful way, further deepening the tourism exchange between the two nations.

Attracting Japanese Tourists to Taiwan

With over 100,000 visitors in attendance, Taiwan Plus is an undeniable success. The festival demonstrated the immense interest in Taiwan among Japanese travellers, offering them a unique window into Taiwan’s vibrant tourism offerings. This cultural event has the potential to generate increased tourism from Japan, with many attendees now likely to consider Taiwan for their next travel destination.

The event’s success also highlights the broader role of cultural festivals in driving tourism. By showcasing Taiwan’s tourism assets in Osaka, the festival served as a catalyst for future tourism opportunities between Japan and Taiwan. It is expected that Taiwan’s tourism sector will continue to benefit from these cultural exchanges, attracting even more Japanese tourists seeking to experience Taiwan’s rich traditions, stunning landscapes, and sustainable tourism initiatives.

Taiwan’s Cultural Diplomacy Through Tourism

Taiwan Plus is not just another cultural festival; it’s part of Taiwan’s clever plan to welcome tourists by sharing its culture. When the festival arrived in Osaka, it unlocked fresh travel paths between Taiwan and Japan, centring on sustainability, creativity, and new ideas. With Taiwan steadily positioning itself as a must-see spot in the Asia-Pacific, gatherings like Taiwan Plus are essential for building strong travel relationships not just with Japan, but with visitors from all over.