In the thriving context of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) 2025, the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) is set to put Taiwan on the global map with its impressive array of original titles and innovative IPs.
This year, the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) presents the Taiwan Pavilion at BCBF, located in Hall 25, booth B118. A strong lineup of talent is highlighted, featuring over 284 original Taiwanese titles from 41 publishers and spotlighting the work of seven distinguished authors.
Among them are the 2025 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) nominees, Yeou-Yu Chang, known for her captivating narratives and enchanting storytelling, and picture book artist Hsu-Kung Liu, with his striking visual art complementing the tales spun in his books. The outstanding works of 2025 Illustrators Exhibition winners, Ballboss and Hsiaochi Chang, are also showcased. Adding a fresh perspective, the talented trio of A-Meow (Pei-Jung Tsai), Dong Dong, and Wei-Ting Lin represents the next generation of storytellers and artists eagerly shaping Taiwan’s cultural narrative.
Through TAICCA, under the Taiwan Content Island brand, Taiwan has been making significant strides in promoting its IPs at international licensing expos, particularly gaining traction in markets like Japan and Korea.
Taking the next step, TAICCA’s inaugural participation at the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/ Kids(BLTF/K) – Hall 29 Mall 2 – is set to introduce a total of 13 carefully selected Taiwanese IPs and brands to the European market, bringing a diverse range of stories and characters to wider audiences. By presenting this broad array of creative content, Taiwan seeks to tap into new markets and forge partnerships on a global scale.
Among the highlighted IPs are three innovative licensing brands: Takokuma, well-established in Japan and Korea; The Moon Forgets by Jimmy Liao, an acclaimed and globally recognized IP; and My Little Boys: A-Nee-Gu, a beloved family IP with proven cross-disciplinary potential.
This entry into global markets reflects Taiwan’s commitment to advancing its cultural presence and fostering global connections, spreading Taiwanese IPs worldwide, and inspiring new creations rooted in local stories.
Takokuma: A Journey into Imagination
Takokuma is an original character brand by Sunthingood, that has captivated audiences worldwide with its whimsical designs and engaging narratives. Since its inception, Takokuma has crafted a universe filled with charming characters such as Takokuma, Captain 22, Buddy Raccoon, and Hari Hari, who embark on adventures that emphasize the importance of friendship and personal growth, resonating with readers of all ages. The brand’s imaginative stories have won the hearts of many and garnered numerous awards including the Cultural and Creative Product Award and Golden Pin Design Award, and recognition at international licensing expos. With its successful publishing ventures, including picture books such as Takokuma – Picture Book of Finding Good Friends, and Takokuma – Encyclopedia of Peculiar Animals. Behavior Edition and Appearance Edition, the Takokuma IP continues to push the envelope of storytelling and character development.
The brand’s global strategy includes partnerships and licensing opportunities that bridge cultures, particularly in Japan and China. Successful collaboration with well-known entities brought its unique stories to various merchandising avenues, from cosmetics to experiential projects like capsule toys.
Remarkable Japanese partnerships include a charm collection realized with 0101 Department Store, a sticker collection with Loft, Mitaka Beer’s apple beer, and a capsule toy collaboration with Korokoro. The brand also collaborated with the Chinese See you at Pizza.
Excitingly, Takokuma is also venturing into animation, participating in key international events such as the Kidscreen Summit in the USA and the Malaysia International Film Festival, following its win of the SEA Award – Malaysia at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF). These achievements further solidified its position as a prominent player in the global creative arena.
The Moon Forgets: A Journey of Love and Resilience
Jimmy Liao’s poignant picture book, The Moon Forgets, tells a touching tale of a lonely boy who discovers the moon has fallen to Earth. Alongside the moon, he nurtures it back to brilliance while the city around them crumbles into chaos in its absence. The essence of this book transcends mere fantasy: it reflects themes of friendship, warmth, and the bittersweet transition into adulthood. Originally published in 1999, just before the Jiji earthquake in Nantou, Taiwan, this tale resonated deeply with many, aiding in the healing of wounded hearts during a tumultuous time.
Since its inception, The Moon Forgets has been translated into 12 languages and has inspired music albums and a children’s musical adaptation in Hong Kong. Thanks to the work of Jimmy S.P.A. Plus, the impact of this narrative extends beyond literature, with collaborations featuring the beloved characters, such as partnerships with Starbucks and Citibank, which have led to a total of 335 merchandise products developed by more than 40 licensees, including moon cake gift boxes benefiting the Children Are Us Foundation and a 2023 collaboration with Hello Kitty in Taiwan. The project also boasts diverse public art installations, including the iconic Moon Bus in Taipei, reflecting Liao’s ability to integrate art into everyday life. The Moon Forgets’ 25th anniversary in 2024 ensured that the story continues to inspire and provide comfort to old and new generations, thanks to a range of activities and crossover collaborations centered on the theme of courage.
Celebrating Family with My Little Boys: A-Nee-Gu
In contrast to Liao’s ethereal work, My Little Boys: A-Nee-Gu, adapted from renowned writer Yi-Chun Lo’s literary work, grounds its storytelling on familiar experiences. The play captures moments in a child’s life, centering on the clever, yet often confused ten-year-old A-Nee-Gu and his interactions with his family—a muddled father, a graceful mother, a shy older brother A-Pai.
The animated series uses 4320 hand-drawn animation frames to present a vivid portrayal of love, laughter, conflict, and, ultimately, healing within the family unit. The series has gained remarkable recognition, winning the Golden Bell Award for Best Animated Program twice and receiving multiple accolades at prestigious international festivals.
Dreamland Image takes care of its expansion into comics, live musicals, and puppet theater, demonstrating its versatile approach to storytelling. The creation of a theater company dedicated to A-Nee-Gu has brought live audiences into the fold, further promoting the project. In 2024 the series evolved into an animated film project, recognized as part of the Golden Horse Film Project Promotion, affirming its status as a significant cultural export for Taiwan.
The three amazing projects will be showcased at the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair Kids 2025, standing as a testament to the Taiwanese spirit of creativity and inviting the world to discover Taiwan’s enchanting graphic landscapes and compelling narratives.
