Oma fishing town strengthens Taiwan ties through Mazu worship to boost tourism

In the northeastern fishing community of Oma, Aomori, local leaders are leveraging a centuries-old devotion to the Taoist sea goddess Mazu to strengthen cultural ties with Taiwan and promote tourism. The goddess, known locally as Maso or Tempi, was first introduced to the town in 1696 by a headman involved in marine transport, according to chief priest Hiromi Metoki. After receiving a new statue and festival gear from Beigang Chao-Tian Temple in Yunlin County, Oma revived a Taiwan-style procession that coincided with a surge in tuna catches in the mid-1990s. This July, a parade featuring a Mazu statue and colorful costumes was held, attended by about 20 representatives from the Taiwanese temple.

Officials, including Yoshinori Omi of the Oma Tourism Association, hope the event will encourage visitors from abroad and support plans for ferry links from Hakodate. The celebration underscores Mazu worship’s wide reach in Taiwan, mainland China, Southeast Asia and diaspora communities, and its recognition by UNESCO.