TSMC Effect: Taiwan International Food Innovation Exchange Association Establishes Kumamoto Branch

SUMMARY: As TSMC establishes its presence in Kumamoto, Japan, fostering increased Taiwan-Japan exchange, the Taiwan International Food Innovation Exchange Association inaugurated its Kumamoto branch. The ceremony, held at the Kumamoto Taiwan-Japan Hall, saw approximately 160 attendees from Taiwanese and Japanese political, business, and local sectors, with the popular mascot Kumamon also present. Association president Qian Miaoling highlighted the group's expansion into its second Japanese branch within a year, emphasizing its core principles of 'healthy and sustainable eating' to promote international food culture exchange. She noted the cultural and humanistic similarities between Kumamoto and Taiwan, aiming to use food as a bridge for deeper interaction and to facilitate the entry of high-quality Japanese agricultural products into the Taiwanese market. He Shuzi stressed the importance of Taiwanese cuisine as a 'true support' alongside the 'Protector of the Nation Mountain' (TSMC) and advocated for 'anti-food waste, transform into sacred food.' Wang Ching-yao stated that TSMC's factory establishment extends Taiwan-Japan relations beyond semiconductors to local and cultural levels, making the Kumamoto branch's establishment significant. He believes Taiwanese cuisine, combined with Japanese ingredients and technology, can create new industrial value and boost bilateral agricultural trade and tourism. Kumamoto Governor Kimura Kei recalled the 10th anniversary of the Kumamoto earthquake, expressing gratitude for Taiwan's past aid, and mentioned the increasing flight frequency between Taiwan and Kumamoto. He praised Taiwan's 'banquet' culture and stated Kumamoto's ambition to become a 'city of gastronomy,' anticipating deepened mutual understanding through food. During the event, the association donated 2 million Japanese Yen worth of snacks to Kumamoto's children's cafeterias, for which Kimura Kei expressed thanks.