Beigang Mazu Makes First Eastward Journey to Japan, Showcasing Taiwan's Religious Soft Power to the World
Beigang Chaotian Temple's Mazu statue embarks on its first eastward journey to Japan for a cultural exchange event, marking a historic moment for the 330-year-old temple. This initiative aims to foster Taiwan-Japan interactions, spread Mazu's compassionate spirit, and highlight Taiwan's unique religious and cultural soft power to the international community.
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- 📰 Published: May 10, 2026 at 14:21
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Central News Agency (Reporter Wu Rui-chi in Taoyuan Airport on the 10th) – Beigang Chaotian Temple, established over 330 years ago, is hosting Taiwan's first "Heavenly Holy Mother's First Voyage to Japan" cultural exchange event in May. The Mazu deity departed today under the escort of various representatives to Japan, hoping to showcase Taiwan's religious and cultural soft power to the world through Taiwan-Japan exchanges.
Cai Yong-de, Chairman of Beigang Chaotian Temple, stated in a media interview that this eastward journey is a significant historical moment since the temple's establishment and bears the heavy responsibility of cultural diplomacy. At a time of increasingly frequent Taiwan-Japan exchanges, Mazu's compassionate spirit will be conveyed to the Japanese people through this trip, allowing the international community to deeply experience the unique charm of Taiwan's religious culture and bringing spiritual comfort to overseas Taiwanese expatriates and students.
Cai Yong-de pointed out that Beigang Chaotian Temple is the sole preserver of two important folk customs: "Beigang Pilgrimage" and "Chaotian Temple Welcoming Mazu." Furthermore, Yunlin County boasts five national important folk customs, demonstrating a rich and diverse cultural heritage. This cultural exchange also symbolizes Mazu belief's first cross-sea step onto the international stage, opening a new chapter for Taiwan's religious culture.
People First Party Legislator Tsai Chun-chou, who accompanied the first voyage, highly affirmed the opportunity to promote Beigang's local culture internationally and let the world see Taiwan's soft power. She said that Mazu culture is Taiwan's precious cultural soft power, and this visit will not only promote Taiwan-Japan cultural exchanges but also enhance Taiwan's international visibility and influence through religious belief exchange.
Chen Bi-jun, Deputy Magistrate of Yunlin County, stated that Mazu culture is an important bridge for Taiwan to dialogue with the world. She hopes that through this visit, the international community and Japanese people will see the beauty of Yunlin's culture, thereby attracting more tourists to visit Yunlin and experience the unique local hospitality and cultural charm. (Editor: Chen Ren-hua) 1150510
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Cai Yong-de, Chairman of Beigang Chaotian Temple, stated in a media interview that this eastward journey is a significant historical moment since the temple's establishment and bears the heavy responsibility of cultural diplomacy. At a time of increasingly frequent Taiwan-Japan exchanges, Mazu's compassionate spirit will be conveyed to the Japanese people through this trip, allowing the international community to deeply experience the unique charm of Taiwan's religious culture and bringing spiritual comfort to overseas Taiwanese expatriates and students.
Cai Yong-de pointed out that Beigang Chaotian Temple is the sole preserver of two important folk customs: "Beigang Pilgrimage" and "Chaotian Temple Welcoming Mazu." Furthermore, Yunlin County boasts five national important folk customs, demonstrating a rich and diverse cultural heritage. This cultural exchange also symbolizes Mazu belief's first cross-sea step onto the international stage, opening a new chapter for Taiwan's religious culture.
People First Party Legislator Tsai Chun-chou, who accompanied the first voyage, highly affirmed the opportunity to promote Beigang's local culture internationally and let the world see Taiwan's soft power. She said that Mazu culture is Taiwan's precious cultural soft power, and this visit will not only promote Taiwan-Japan cultural exchanges but also enhance Taiwan's international visibility and influence through religious belief exchange.
Chen Bi-jun, Deputy Magistrate of Yunlin County, stated that Mazu culture is an important bridge for Taiwan to dialogue with the world. She hopes that through this visit, the international community and Japanese people will see the beauty of Yunlin's culture, thereby attracting more tourists to visit Yunlin and experience the unique local hospitality and cultural charm. (Editor: Chen Ren-hua) 1150510
Choose to stand with facts; your every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to get the latest information instantly.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.