TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The fourth annual Banqiao Summer Carnival (板橋夏日嘉年華) wrapped up a two-day run at Fuzhong Plaza over the weekend. The event drew visitors with traditional Japanese dance performances, free international food tastings and more than 30 themed booths operated by seven Japanese sister cities.
The carnival, held Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 29-30), featured delegations from Yamaga City in Kumamoto, Yuzawa City in Akita, Uozu City in Toyama, Zentsuji City in Kagawa, Tosu City in Saga, Shinjo City in Yamagata and Bandai Town in Fukushima.
New Taipei City Deputy Secretary-General Ko Ching-chung (柯慶忠) said the carnival has evolved beyond a simple summer festival into a platform for international exchange and cultural cooperation.
"We have 126 borough chiefs who are important partners of the mayor," Ko said. "Our district office has organized this event for four consecutive years, and it gets bigger every year."
Banqiao District Chief Chen Chi-cheng (陳奇正) said the dances showcased the unique charm of Japanese regional festivals, from melodic music and traditional steps to lantern culture.
A highlight was a giant "Yamaga Hyakka Hyakusai" (山鹿百華百彩) umbrella lantern installation featuring Kumamon, jointly created with Yamaga City. Additional lantern displays with Uozu, Yuzawa and Zentsuji cities symbolized Taiwan-Japan friendship.
Japanese officials promoted tourism at the event. Uozu Vice Mayor Ishiguro Yuichi (石黑雄一) highlighted local attractions and invited visitors to experience the city's Tatemon Matsuri ship lantern festival next August. Zentsuji Vice Mayor Arai Masahiro (荒井理宏) promoted the 1,000-year-old Sohonzan Zentsuji Temple and recommended Sanuki udon.
The carnival offered daily limited servings of free international cuisine, including Shizuoka matcha, Thai banana pancakes, Hong Kong curry fish balls, Korean fire noodles and dorayaki. Visitors could also try on traditional Japanese and Chinese attire for photos.
Uozu City became a sister city with Banqiao District in October 2025. The district office said the event allows residents to experience Japanese culture without traveling abroad. ◼