Muta Yuki’s latest manga, First Time in Taiwan: A Delicious Adventure, introduces audiences to the bright and bustling world of Taiwan via popular tourist destinations, Jiufen and Taipei. The manga follows a cute girl character, her big sister, her little sister, and her mom and dad as they travel from Japan to Taiwan for the first time. The family of five experience the country’s lively nighttime atsmosphere, unique desserts, beautiful sights, and warm food.
While the manga is short, its detailed panels, descriptive dialogue, and informational tidbits immerse the audience into the story and the family’s journey through Taiwan. Onomatopoeia is used to describe the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of the country, and comparisons between dishes from Japan and Taiwan also help those unfamiliar with the new cuisine imagine what the texture is like, what the food smells like, and what it all tastes like. The detailed drawings and descriptions extend to the scenery as well, allowing readers to feel like they’ve also stepped foot into Taiwan.
In particular, Muta’s decision to insert an actual photograph of the landscape view of Jiufen is an unexpected and refreshing pop of color in the manga. With its short paragraph on the wonders of the region and the enjoyment of something as mundane as a rainy day, this page is the perfect example of Muta’s genuine appreciation for Taiwan.
It was clear that Muta did research for this manga through the thorough explanations of each region’s specialties and food item. For those unfamiliar with Taiwan, it’s an easily digestible piece that introduces the country and its beauty. For those hailing from Taiwan who may be feeling homesick in another country, it’s a nostalgic piece that will have you reminiscing on your own moments back home, ready to book the next flight back to enjoy the desserts in Jiufen and the hot pot in Taipei.
