Taiwanese mascot garners popularity in Osaka's initiative
Taiwan's "We TAIWAN" Cultural Program Mascot, a-We, Steals the Show at Expo 2025 Osaka
The "We TAIWAN" cultural program, launched on August 2, 2025, at Osaka's Nakanoshima sandbank, has been a resounding success, with its mascot, a-We, capturing the hearts of visitors.
The a-We merchandise store, which opened at 10 am, saw a flurry of activity as over 100 units of gashapon balls and stuffed a-We goods were sold within 10 minutes of opening, drawing long lines and crowds. The popularity of the mascot extended beyond the initial rush, with over 100 people visiting the shop immediately after its opening.
The a-We merchandise includes a variety of items such as stuffed toys, keychains, gashapon capsules, socks, smartphone covers, and hats. The hats, emblazoned with the a-We emblem, were surprisingly popular, with three Taiwanese expats in Japan waiting in line to purchase them on the first day.
The mascot, a symbol of resilience and optimism, embodies the spirit of transformation and survival, reflecting Taiwan's cultural identity and adaptability showcased at Expo 2025 in Osaka. The a-We mascot has been designed to partner with and capitalize on the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
The "We TAIWAN" cultural program includes performances and exhibitions at various locations along the Nakanoshima sandbank. One of the highlights is the special performance called "A Ritual of Gratitude Before the Temple," which will be held Aug. 26-28 at the city's Pop-Up Stage North, Yumeshima, featuring nine Taiwanese performing groups.
The "We TAIWAN" program has four key themes --- "The Power of Play," "Blended Colors," "Creativity that Crosses Over" and "Dynamic Energy." The cultural program runs from August 2 to August 20.
Visitors to the "Taiwan Spectrum" art show at the Grand Green Osaka venue can receive free a-We stickers as a souvenir, with the first 50 visitors each day receiving a sticker.
One Japanese patron, who was wearing merchandise of the Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku, expressed admiration for the "We TAIWAN" cultural program's mascot, comparing it to Myaku-Myaku. The patron even follows the X account of the "We TAIWAN" cultural program.
In conclusion, the a-We mascot has proven to be a popular figure among visitors for merchandise, but it also serves as a cultural symbol central to promoting Taiwan's arts, creativity, and future-oriented spirit at the event in Japan.
- The popularity of the a-We mascot extended beyond merchandise, with a Japanese patron comparing it to the Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku and following the X account of the "We TAIWAN" cultural program on social media.
- The "We TAIWAN" cultural program, filled with entertainment such as performances and exhibitions, has successfully integrated the a-We mascot into various aspects, making it a trending topic on social media.
