Greater Kaohsiung’s agricultural product safety mascot currently holds the top spot in the overseas division of a Japanese competition seeking the cutest, “most comforting” or “most emotionally pleasing” mascot.
Greater Kaohsiung Agriculture Bureau Director-General Tsai Fu-chin (蔡復進) said the creation of Kao Tung Tung (高通通) was inspired by reports that a Japanese mascot, Kumamon, had created an economic value of more than NT$30 billion (US$992 million).
Kumamon, which was created in 2010, represents Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan.
Photo: Chen Wen-chan, Taipei Times
The city government has put more than 400 statuettes of Kao Tung Tung on display and aims to promote Taiwan and increase the nation’s international profile, Tsai said, adding that the set of figurines has received many invitations worldwide.
The city government launched a nationwide tour of the 400 figurines on Sunday in Greater Taichung, Tsai said, adding that the tour will hopefully bring the mascot luck in the Japanese competition.
Tsai said Kaohsiung has also allotted 2 hectares of land for the planned Greater Kaohsiung Product Museum, which would also serve as the home for the 400 figurines and showcase the municipality’s value.
Photo: Chen Wen-chan, Taipei Times
“It would become a new landmark for the city government,” Tsai said.
The bureau intends to decorate paths through the museum with multihued LED lighting, Tsai said, adding that the museum would be a “spectacular scene” at night.
City officials said that they are considering allowing street musicians and artists to perform on the museum’s grounds on weekends, as well as inviting the Dream Building Market, a group of shows, food stalls and promotions of agricultural products and activities, to use the grounds.
The museum plaza will be opened to investors who want to operate coffee shops or restaurants there, the officials said, adding that information about the bidding process for outlet space is available online.
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