With the Sunshine Island Vibe Fest set to take place at Central Park this weekend, excitement is reaching new heights as the latest promotional video takes social media by storm. The video features an unexpected but delightful appearance by Kaohsiung Metro’s beloved mascot, Stationmaster Mikan, whose adorable presence immediately ignited a wave of online discussions. The buzz doesn’t stop there—organizers have officially announced that Stationmaster Mikan will make a special appearance at Central Park on February 22 and 23, where festivalgoers will have the chance to meet and interact with the beloved character in person.
According to Chang Yen-Ching, Director-General of the Kaohsiung City Government’s Department of Administrative and International Affairs, Sunshine Island Vibe Fest is a collaborative effort between the city government and diplomatic offices from the United States, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand. Rooted in the principles of diversity and inclusion, the festival aims to bring together music, culture, art, and sports to create a unique and immersive international experience in Kaohsiung. She extended an open invitation to both local and international visitors, encouraging them to take part in this vibrant celebration.
As part of the festival’s promotional campaign, Stationmaster Mikan takes center stage in the latest festival video. The clip opens with an irresistibly cute moment—Mikan, wrapped in an island-themed towel, letting out a sleepy yawn. The scene instantly melted the hearts of netizens, who eagerly followed Mikan into the whimsical world of Sunshine Island Vibe Fest. The video also teases an impressive lineup of artists, including Golden Melody Award-winning singers Abao and Joanna Wang, Filipino jazz sensation Roxanne Barcelo, who has millions of fans, Thai pop star James Alyn, and American jazz ensemble Andy Jaffe Septet. Adding to the excitement, organizers confirmed that Stationmaster Mikan will make special appearances at both the Interactive Stage and the Unplugged Stage on both days of the festival, engaging audiences in a fun and interactive Q&A session.
The Sunshine Island Vibe Fest brings together Taiwan, the U.S., Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand, presenting six spectacular highlights! The festival will showcase performances from artists representing seven different countries, offering attendees an unparalleled international music experience. Meanwhile, a massive marketplace featuring over 160 brands will bring a diverse selection of global cuisine, handmade crafts, and travel experiences. Visitors can also dive into outdoor lectures and explore the Southeast Asia Mobile Library to gain deeper insights into the stories of migrant workers and new residents in Taiwan. The One-Forty Interactive Photography Exhibition will present visual narratives from different perspectives, while FamilyMart will launch a Southeast Asian-themed pop-up store to celebrate cultural integration. Free pre-registration for the Sepak Takraw experience has drawn enthusiastic sign-ups, as visitors eagerly immerse themselves in this thrilling Southeast Asian sport.
Beyond the music and cultural showcases, the festival will also feature international collaborations, with Japan’s friendly cities—including Kumamoto Prefecture, Hachioji City, Sado City, Aomori Prefecture, and Mutsu City—setting up dedicated booths. Photography lovers won’t want to miss the five island-themed mirror installations, each packed with surprises at every turn!
As the promotional video featuring the Kaohsiung Mayor and representatives from diplomatic offices performing as a multinational band surpassed 500,000 views on social media, many netizens began asking if they would be able to see the band perform live at the festival. Addressing these inquiries, Chang Yen-Ching confirmed that while the festival will showcase a spectacular lineup of international artists, the multinational band seen in the promo was exclusively created for the video due to scheduling constraints. However, she expressed optimism about the possibility of bringing them together for a live performance in the future. In the meantime, festivalgoers are encouraged to attend in person and experience electrifying live performances from the diverse range of singers and dancers scheduled to take the stage.
The Sunshine Island Vibe Fest is jointly organized by the Kaohsiung City Government’s Department of Administrative and International Affairs, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office Kaohsiung Extension Office, the American Institute in Taiwan Kaohsiung Branch Office, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Kaohsiung Office, and the Thailand Trade and Economic Office. The event is made possible with the support of sponsors, including ASE Holdings, Taiwan Fu Hsing Foundation, Quilter International Enterprise Co., Ltd., iPASS, PhilMoney, Union Bank of Taiwan, FamilyMart, and Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation.