TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung brought in giant bananas to decorate the Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway for Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 7-8) activities to highlight the importance of local agriculture to the city's development.

Kaohsiung's Bureau of Cultural Affairs Director Wang Wen-Tsui (王文翠) said the museum's location is where Taiwanese merchants prepared large quantities of bananas for export to Japan in the 1960s. Bananas harvested from southern Taiwan were transported by train to Kaohsiung Port awaiting foreign export, per CNA.

The foreign currency earned through banana exports earned Taiwan the nickname "Banana Kingdom." To draw more attention to the fruit's contribution, the city constructed an art installation of oversized bananas.

The cultural bureau said the place also served as an active auction area for bananas, ensuring the fruit arrived in Japan. The upcoming banana party will highlight Taiwan’s cultural and economic ties with Japan.

One special attraction is Japan's Moji Ward's “banana man," who will travel overseas for the festival. In addition, as part of a stamp collection activity, those who gather three stamps will receive a limited edition “banana man” pendant. 

Furthermore, attendees can enjoy musical performances and an outdoor market with local goods and produce, especially fresh bananas.