An aviation jacket patch showing a Formosan black bear punching Winnie the Pooh has become popular overseas, including at an aviation festival held by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force at the Ashiya Airbase yesterday.
The patch was designed last year by Taiwanese designer Hsu Fu-yu (徐福佑), who said that it was inspired by Taiwan’s countermeasures against frequent Chinese military aircraft incursions.
The badge shows a Formosan black bear holding a Republic of China flag as it punches Winnie the Pooh — a reference to Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) — who is dressed in red and is holding a honey pot with five stars, representing China’s national flag
Photo courtesy of a reader
Last year, the patch was worn by a Taiwanese air force pilot during China’s large-scale military drills, which brought the patch and its creator global attention.
One year later, the patch was among several designs for sale at the Japanese festival, where it sold for ￥1,600 (US$10.76). Despite competition from other patches, it received significant interest.
The Ashiya Air Base Festival is a free event held every fall in Fukuoka, which aims to enhance public understanding of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and includes flight demonstrations.
Photo courtesy of the Youth Daily News
Fixed wing and rotary craft were on display, along with air defense missiles and more.
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