The 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival proudly welcomes an official Nebuta production team from Aomori Prefecture, bringing Japan’s iconic Nebuta craftsmanship to Taiwan for an unprecedented live production. During the Festival period, master artisans are constructing a monumental Nebuta lantern on-site, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness the intricate artistry behind this celebrated summer tradition.

On March 7, the completed Nebuta lantern will join the “Team Taiwan” Grand Parade, symbolizing the deep and enduring friendship between Taiwan and Japan. Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang personally visited the “Nebuta Workshop” on-site, experiencing the lantern-making process alongside children and highlighting the Festival’s commitment to cultural education and youth engagement.

To further strengthen Taiwan–Japan youth exchange, Chiayi County Government invited 60 teachers and students from Yongqing High School to participate in a series of cultural exchange programs. Activities included guided visits to the Nebuta Lantern Workshop and in-depth dialogue with the Nebuta Team from Aomori Public University, fostering meaningful cross-cultural interaction through traditional craftsmanship.

According to Chiayi-born Japan-based writer Shimomachi Kizoku, there are currently only 16 certified Nebuta masters in Aomori. The Festival has specially invited two distinguished masters, Suwa Shin and Lin Guang-hai, to jointly design and construct the giant Nebuta lantern—marking the first time in history that two active Nebuta masters have collaborated overseas on a large-scale work.

While Aomori Nebuta once performed abroad at the British Museum in 2001, this Taiwan appearance represents its first-ever large-scale production in Asia outside Japan, and the first collaborative creation by two serving masters—an achievement of exceptional cultural significance.

Recognizing Taiwan’s humid and rainy climate, which presents preservation challenges for traditional paper lanterns, organizers have specially designed an indoor exhibition space to ensure optimal conservation and presentation of the lantern’s fine details.

The featured work integrates Taiwanese religious and cultural elements, drawing inspiration from the deities of Peitian Temple—including Puzih Mazu, Generals Qianshun, and the Tiger General—alongside the temple’s iconic red and white peonies. The design further incorporates the imagery of Yushan, Taiwan’s highest peak, creating a monumental lantern rich in Chiayi identity and Taiwanese spirit.

On March 7, the “Team Taiwan” Grand Parade will assemble more than 30 performance groups and over 1,000 performers, blending local culture, international collaboration, and creative arts into one of the Festival’s most dynamic nighttime spectacles.

Magistrate Weng expressed sincere appreciation to the eight Nebuta artisans who traveled from Aomori to participate in the production. During the parade, 50 core members will deliver an authentic Nebuta performance, including the live musical ensemble known as “Nebuta-bayashi,” the dynamic dancers called “Haneto,” and the “Hikite” teams responsible for pulling the lantern floats—faithfully recreating the vibrant spirit of the million-visitor Aomori Nebuta Festival.

Through this landmark collaboration, the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival continues to position itself as a global cultural platform—where craftsmanship, tradition, and international friendship converge in luminous celebration.