WEST.’s Junta Nakama to Release a Guidebook Showcasing His 2nd Hometown, Taiwan: “I Hope You’ll Use It Until It’s Worn Out!”

Junta Nakama of the seven-member group WEST. will release a Taiwan travel guidebook rooted in his own heritage, titled “Junta Nakama’s Manpuku Taiwan Guide” (Kodansha), on April 20, 2026. In recent years, Taiwan has ranked as the number one overseas travel destination among Japanese tourists. Nakama, who spent six years in Taipei from fourth grade through his third year of junior high school and was appointed a Taipei City Tourism Ambassador in May 2025, presents a heartfelt guide to Taiwan’s gourmet food, night markets, shopping, and sightseeing.

In a special feature on night markets, he introduces recommended foods under the title “Junta’s Night Market Gourmet Chart.” His selections reflect his unique perspective as someone who grew up in Taiwan—he shares, “I used to eat large fried chicken cutlets (da ji pai) at Shilin Night Market all the time when I was a kid!” The latter half of the book includes an easy-to-follow area guide dividing central Taipei into seven sections. It also suggests short trips from Taipei to other popular destinations among Taiwan enthusiasts, such as Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Taichung. Additionally, a section titled “Junta’s Column” features stories about revisiting memorable spots from his time living in Taiwan.

The book also includes a special detachable Taiwan map that readers can carry with them. It features “Junta’s Taiwanese Mandarin Lessons,” offering useful everyday phrases. With over 230 recommended shops and spots listed, this is a full-fledged and comprehensive guidebook.

Nakama was deeply involved in nearly every aspect of the book’s creation—from deciding on the title and planning the structure to selecting interview locations and discussing the design. At times, he even called his mother during meetings to double-check his childhood memories. During a late-night shoot that began at 1 a.m. in Kaohsiung, he showed no signs of fatigue and maintained his best smile throughout. Even in the rain, he didn’t mind getting soaked and took the lead in guiding the staff.

At one hotel where he stayed, he left a heartfelt thank-you message that moved the staff. On another occasion, dissatisfied with his handwritten text, he reportedly asked, “I’m sorry, but could I resubmit this?” and redid it. The guidebook is filled with his deep affection for Taiwan, which he considers his second hometown.

To commemorate the book’s release, a “Taiwan Talk Show” will also be held, with attendance determined by lottery. The event will take place on June 6 at Umeda Tsutaya Bookstore in Osaka and on June 7 at Eslite Spectrum Nihonbashi in Tokyo. Details can be found on each bookstore’s official website.

Main Contents of “Junta Nakama’s Manpuku Taiwan Guide”

So much fun in just 1 night and 2 days! Junta’s whirlwind travel plan
Junta’s Best Way to Spend Time in Taiwan: Enjoy the local vibe at morning markets
Breakfast so good you’ll want to hop from place to place
Find what you love in Dihua Street
Check out notable Taiwan-born brands
Go to chain stores loved by locals
Lock onto the charm of Taiwanese noodles
Taste beloved local B-grade gourmet foods
Get hooked on traditional sweets
Personally purchased! Souvenir list
Eat your way through night markets packed with amazing food
Junta’s Night Market Gourmet Chart
Fine restaurants where you can savor authentic flavors
Trendy spots led by up-and-coming chefs
Skilled adult-friendly bars with great food
Enjoy beer and small plates at “Rechao” restaurants
Make the most of convenience stores and supermarkets
Try creating your own custom perfume
TAIPEI TOWN GUIDE (Taipei City Areas): East District / Dihua Street / Ximending & Longshan Temple / Zhongshan / Yongkang Street / Taipei 101 / Fujin Street
Even more attractive spots!
Short trips from Taipei: Kaohsiung / Tainan / Taichung / Jiufen
Junta’s Column, Junta’s Notes, and other personal stories from his time in Taiwan
And more

Nakama’s Comment

“I’m truly delighted to finally be able to publish the Taiwan guidebook I’ve long dreamed of creating. In fact, the reason I entered this industry in the first place was because I had lived in Taiwan. It would make me incredibly happy to guide everyone to the place where everything began for me. The title Manpuku (‘full of blessings’) reflects my wish that everyone’s trip to Taiwan will be filled with good fortune. In addition to the places I often visit and love, I’ve also packed in spots and shops I hope to visit in the future. I hope you’ll use this book until it’s worn out! And if you discover new sides of Taiwan, please let me know. I, too, hope to explore parts of Taiwan I’ve yet to discover together with this book. I sincerely hope this book brings good fortune to you all.”