The 2nd Taichung International ACG (Animation, Comics and Games) Expo organized by the Chinese Animation and Comic Publisher Association (CACPA) under the guidance of the Taichung City Government was grandly launched today (on the 1st) and will take place for four consecutive days at Taichung International Exposition Center in Wuri. Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan, Minister of Culture Shih Che, and Mayor Lu Shiow-yen joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony together today. Mayor Lu stated that it was the first time that ACG Expo moved to Taichung and succeeded attracted over 200,000 visitor regardless of the pandemic last year. She said that the number of visitors was expected to break 250,000 this year and thanked ACG fans for their recognition to Taichung. She also happily announced that the National Comic Museum would be built in Taichung and the Taichung City Government would cooperate with the central government to build Taichung into the capital of ACG.

During her speech, Mayor Lu briefly expressed that the keys to visiting the ACG Expo were to “enjoy the visuals and have less talking”. Despite the impact of the pandemic, Taichung International ACG Expo managed to attract over 200,000 visitors last year and the number of visitors is expected to break 250,000 this year. Mayor Lu expressed her aspiration that the Expo will take place every year and attract even more visitors to this grand event. She also shared a good news with ACG fans, saying that “It is confirmed that National Comic Museum will be built in Taichung”. She also expressed her gratitude to Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan and Minister of Culture Shih Che for finalize the proposal of building the National Comic Museum at Taichung Prison Wardens’ Dormitory early this morning during the survey.

“Taichung International ACG Expo is really a very healing post-pandemic activity!” said Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan. Vice Premier Cheng highlighted that he loved to read classic comics such as “Ore wa Teppei” in his childhood and expressed his desire that a replica version would be launched. After seeing so many people joining Taichung International ACG Expo today, he praised that Taichung was really a “capital of ACG” and said that the Ministry of Culture would cooperate with Taichung City Government to revive the area of Taichung Prison Wardens’ Dormitory and facilitate the launch of National Comic Museum. Minister Shih also expressed that the success of building Taichung into the capital of ACG is expected only because of the support of the "Mother Mayor."
In addition, hand-drawn sketches by Taichung comic artists Hung Yu-fu, Hsu Jui-feng and Lin Chih-chun (“Cat-san”) were also presented to Vice Premier Cheng, Minister Shih, and Mayor Lu as a gift. Minister Shih Che expressed his happiness in receiving the hand-drawn sketch of Taichung comic artist in his first visit to ACG Expo. Mayor Lu, on the other hand, jokingly remarked that the comic artist drew her as cute and young! The portrait of Mayor Lu was created by Lin Chih-chun, who is a comic artist of Taichung. The background of the portrait has been filled with various elements of Taichung including not only the scenic spots of Taichung MRT, National Taichung Theater, Central Park, Taichung Park Pavilion, National Museum of Natural Science and Gaomei Wetlands, but also the worldly known pearl milk tea, deep-fried chicken steak and Dong Quan Chili Sauce, which is a must-have item for people of Taichung. In addition, Mayor Lu’s beloved dog “Louis” is also drawn in the picture as a surprise gift.

The Information Bureau of Taichung City Government stated that the City Government started to hold the “ACG Cross-domain Hands-on Workshop” in 2019 with different themed activities each year. The workshop is themed on “fostering seeds teacher” this year with training provided to people who intend to use comics as a teaching medium. At the same time, in order to cultivate local animation talents, the City Government sets aside an annual budget to promote the “Taichung Animation Production Plan” and invites domestic potential animation teams with potential to create unique and distinctive animated films for Taichung City. Besides the work already created for the ACG Expo this year, a series of ACG activities will take place, including the “ACG Cross-domain Hands-on Workshop” in July, “Taichung Comic Arts Festival” in August, and “Taichung International Animation Festival” (TIAF) in October. The purpose thereof is to provide ACG creators with a stage to showcase their talents, gather the momentum for the ACG industry in Taichung, and provide ACG fans with even more channels to experience to charm of the ACG industry. Taichung also has the nation’s only movie exhibition for ACG fans and, as the first among six municipalities, established “Taichung City Rules Governing Subsidies for the Creation of Original Comics” to foster the creation of comics in the City. Since Mayor Lu took office, she has supported the creation of 24 works, all of which are exhibited today for people to enjoy.

The Bureau further pointed out that the development of animation at home and abroad had become increasingly diverse in recent years. Many ACG fans were already eager to purchase limited edition products before ACG Expo. The organizer of this event, the Chinese Animation and Comic Publisher Association, stated that Japanese animation and music had once again sparked a wave of enthusiasm following the lifting of pandemic restrictions and have become inseparable from our daily lives. Moreover, animation and comics are no longer just entertainment products, but a lifestyle that can impact our lives and portrays the relationship between the spirit, culture, and contemporary city and show the charm thereof. This year, around 50 vendors and over 200 boos have participated in this event. The City Government welcomes all ACG fans, young or old, to come and experience the unique charm of ACG.

The opening ceremony of this event was presented by the sister group of Japan’s AKB48, “AKB48 Team TP”; the image ambassador of Taichung International ACG Expo “Manbo”; the older sister of the Formosan rock macaque family (Taichung City’s mascot) “Love”. = In addition to Mayor Lu, Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan and Minister of Culture Shih Che, a number of guests also joined this grand event, including Legislator Yang Chiung-ying, Taichung City Councilor Lo Ting-wei, Deputy Minister of Culture Li Ching-hui; Director of Department of Humanities and Publications of the Ministry of Culture Chen Yin-fang; Director of Taichung City Information Bureau Cheng Chao-hsin; Director of Tourism Bureau Chen Mei-Shiu; Deputy Director of Information Bureau Liao Chiung-chih; Chairman of CACPA and Muse Communication Co.,Ltd. Kang Chen-mu; General Director of Taiwan Tohan Co., Ltd. Wakamori Minoru; Managing Director of Kadokawa Taiwan Corporation Lu Hui-chun; CEO of Sharp Point Media Group Chen Chun-ping; Chairperson of Ever Glory Publishing Su Wei-chuan; and General Director of Kuei Jung Exhibition Co., Ltd.