By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — An 8-meter-tall chibi-style Ultraman inflatable made its debut Sunday at Love River Bay (愛河灣), appearing aboard the Love Boat (愛之船) as part of the Kaohsiung Winter Festival. “Chibi” (ちび) is a Japanese slang term meaning “small” or “short.” In pop culture, it often refers to a stylized, super-deformed character design: an oversized head, a tiny body, simplified features, and exaggerated cuteness.
The installation joins other large-scale inflatables already positioned in waters near the Kaohsiung Music Center (高雄流行音樂中心), including a 15-meter Ultraman Tiga and a full-size classic Ultraman figure. The newly unveiled version, a smaller “Q-style” character, was revealed in the Third Ship Channel (第三船渠).
Tourism Bureau Director Kao Min-lin (高閔琳) said the city has been rolling out surprise Ultraman appearances throughout the holiday period. Earlier displays included a chibi Ultraman installation inside the Zuoying HSR Station, above the train schedule board, as well as a 10-meter Ultraman inflatable launched at Pier 18 (18號碼頭).
Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) indicated that future appearances of the floating character will depend largely on weather conditions, noting that organizers are “still working on” additional outings.
According to the Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau, the festival features roughly 60 Ultraman-themed artworks and installations across the city, encouraging visitors to follow the character’s trail to explore different districts and waterfront spaces.
Source: Liberty Times
