Takasago (高砂) Phrase Auspicious Meaning I Did Not Know! (TiBE 2026 Discovery I)

Takasago Beer (originally established in 1919)  -

Predecessor of Taiwan Beer. 

TTL released a "100th Anniversary Replica" edition of Takasago Beer,

which uses the original, vintage branding and recipes.

(TiBE Taipei International Book Exhibition) - third time running since 2024, I have been making interesting and surprising discoveries. Quite rewarding - knowing that I have been going about things in a constructive way and that things fall into places of their own accords eventually.)

Takasago 高砂 phrase in Japan has auspicious meanings and cultural significance such as harmony, longevity, high class, prosperity - None of which came to my knowledge until yesterday! 

Takasago 高砂 etymology meaning other than its use for Indigenous in Taiwan is something I learned yesterday. It did not occur to me there could have been other meanings until I saw "高砂旅舘 Takasago Hotel" poster in this book "集章日本 1940 年臺灣商人蔡桑的旅行手帳" （Stamp Collection in Japan: A Travel Journal of Taiwanese Businessman Tsai Sang in 1940). 

After some queries with friends who filled me in with Takasago 高砂 etymology - it occurred to me that the label for Takasago-Beer (Revival of 1919 original) which I was given, wondered at the time but had no idea about the the background story could INDEED be the answer!

The elderly couple are 高砂人形 Takasago Ningyo!

(Takasago Ningyo are traditional Japanese wedding dolls depicting an elderly couple, Jo (尉) and Uba (姥), symbolizing a long, happy marriage, fidelity, and prosperity. Rooted in the Takasago legend and the Noh play of the same name, these dolls represent the spirits of twin pine trees. They are commonly given as wedding gifts or displayed to wish for a peaceful, enduring relationship. )

Takasago 高砂  use in Taiwan  

Takasago is one of the names Japanese called Taiwan. (Similar with Horai 蓬萊 for Taiwan). Such as - Takasago beer and papaya sweets. (Or Horai pottery, straw handicraft) 

Takasago use for indigenous including Takasago volunteers 

1935

Comics about 1944 Amis Food Culture

立石鐵臣Tateishi Tetsuomi  - Japanese called indigenous 生蕃，蕃人。
Not long after 高砂族.

"How did Takasago 高砂 get transferred to use for Indigenous?" is the question most people would ask once Japanese origin was told. But perhaps no one ever asked because no one ever made the connection. (I didn't until yesterday)

I think for its mystical feature, highland and remoteness. For Takasago-volunteers, however, may have an implication of 'honorary' status of loyalty and bravery.