International Friendship Lanterns Shine at the 2023 Taiwan Lantern Festival Visitors enjoy the lanterns from many different lands – and take many photos!
The Central Display Zone was created by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. It’s located in the National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall and nearby Taipei City Hall Square. The main lantern is the "Brilliant Light of the Jade Hare," celebrating this Year of the Rabbit. Nearby are lantern clusters in areas with names such as "Beauty of Taiwan,” “Zodiac Animals in the Forest,” “International Friendship," "Happy Gathering” and "Lights of the Lake". The International Friendship area uses lanterns to promote friendship between peoples and nations, and the beauty of international exchange. The Tourism Bureau again invited local governments and tourism-related groups in Japan to contribute lanterns, as well as send representatives to enhance people-to-people connections and communication.
The lanterns created by the various Japanese groups and governments cover a wide range of themes and locations. These include the Kochi Prefecture’s crescent-shaped bay, the relaxing hot springs of Shimane Prefecture, and the Nebuta Festival in Aomori Prefecture, which features traditional masks crafted from washi paper.
Other Japanese lanterns include one from the Kintetsu Group that highlights the beautiful places along their rail routes, as well as the Tobu Group’s new “SpaciaX” train that will begin operating this summer. The lanterns promote friendly exchanges between Taiwan and Japan. The Saga Prefecture lantern welcomes visitors to enjoy its beautiful spring cherry blossoms, while Nagoya’s lantern features the famous Nagoya Castle and Hokkaido’s contribution uses a wonderful night view of Sapporo as its background.
Each of the exhibitors put great effort into their works, as the Taiwan Lantern Festival has developed into an important international event. They strive to integrate their local culture and traditions into their lanterns. In addition to Japan, contributions from other countries are at the festival at the invitation of the Taipei City Government. These include lanterns from South Korea, Indonesia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Belize, Guam and St. Lucia. With its energetic, creative and friendly atmosphere, the Tourism Bureau warmly welcomes the public to this year’s Taiwan Lantern Festival!