TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Two elite Japanese marching bands performed Thursday (Dec. 18) in Ximending, marking their first-ever collaboration facilitated by the General Association of Chinese Culture (GACC, 中華文化總會, Taiwan's cultural promotion body). The "Orange Devils" (橘色惡魔) from Kyoto Tachibana High School (京都橘高校吹奏樂部) and the "Emerald Knights" from Tokyo University of Agriculture Second High School (東京農業大學第二高等學校吹奏樂部) captivated crowds with their joint performance.
Over 110 students and teachers received enthusiastic welcomes upon arriving at Taoyuan Airport Thursday. Lee Hou-ching (李厚慶), GACC secretary-general, called the collaboration a unique opportunity uniting Japan's strongest eastern and western bands. The event reflects deep friendship between Japan and Taiwan, Lee said.
The bands perform through Saturday (Dec. 21) as part of the "2025 Taiwan Expedition: Sound the Friendship, Dance the Youth" series. Performances span Taipei City, Chiayi City, Kaohsiung City, and Pingtung County. Student representatives expressed excitement about presenting five new songs to Taiwanese audiences and trying Taiwan's bubble tea.
Thursday evening's performances included a flash mob in Ximending and a detailed showcase at Taipei Zhongshan Hall. Taiwan's Juang Jing Vocational High School (莊敬高職) participated, serving as a cultural bridge between young Taiwanese and Japanese musicians. The collaboration highlighted growing camaraderie between students from both nations.