At the Taipei International Book Exhibition on April 6, emotions ran high as Taiwan mourned the untimely death of the beloved entertainer 大S (Big S), who died at the age of 48 due to influenza complications. Her close friend, 蔡康永 (Cai Kangyong), attended the event to engage with renowned Japanese author 吉本芭娜娜 (Banana Yoshimoto) and participate in discussions centered on the theme of "people of special significance". The mood quickly shifted when Cai took to the stage, visibly overwhelmed with grief.
Reports from various Taiwanese media outlets, including 聯合報 and 中時新聞網, detailed the emotional state of Cai as he began to read from Yoshimoto's short story "月影" (Moon Shadow). The poignant narrative transcribes the feelings of loss and longing for those we have lost, making it especially meaningful considering his recent personal loss. While attempting to articulate his feelings, Cai's voice cracked, and he could be seen wiping away tears, sharing with the audience, "Crazy yearning for someone is not something to be ashamed of. No matter how much you miss someone, it never is, and that's why she holds such special significance for me."
Fighting back emotions, Cai recounted the essence of the story, which captures the struggle of reconnecting with someone after deep loss. Despite his emotional turmoil, he emphasized the universal experience of grief, stating, "When we miss someone so intensely, seeing others like us doing the same crazy things can bring great comfort. You know, missing someone like this is not something to feel embarrassed about." The room filled with sympathetic applauses from the audience, who also felt the weight of his emotions.
Before this heartfelt reading, Cai had kept his grief private, sharing only through social media where he expressed his sorrow upon learning of 大S's death. He posted, "I want to envision you still living well... Yes, I will keep this image until it is no longer possible to hold onto it." These words reflect the struggle many face when dealing with sudden loss, transforming deep sorrow and nostalgia for someone who played such integral roles within their lives.
During the book discussion, even without directly mentioning 大S, Cai’s narrative undeniably echoed his sense of loss, articulately voicing the feelings many have following the death of a loved one. Observers noted the four instances where Cai paused to regain his composure before being able to continue speaking about the themes of love and remembrance shared through Yoshimoto's works. This interaction not only provided the audience with literature insights but also showcased the healing power of shared grief.
Media reactions have pointed to the deep connections within the entertainment world, especially among those who have shared significant experiences and personal tragedies over the years. Cai’s emotional testimony at the book event serves as both tribute and catharsis, illustrating how art and literature can bridge personal experiences of loss, allowing for communal healing.
The loss of 大S reverberates through the hearts of her friends and fans alike, especially during moments like this when community members come together, sharing memories and emotions tied to shared experiences. The discussion led by Cai and the reading from 吉本芭娜娜's narrative provided attendees with not just literary engagement, but also deep reflection on their personal relationships with loss.
This public display of vulnerability highlights the challenges faced when dealing with the death of beloved figures and the emotional aftermath of their passing. The legacy of 大S is bolstered through these interactions, reminding everyone of the power of relationships, both personal and professional, and how they shape individual narratives.
Such moments stress the importance of acknowledging grief and remembering those we’ve lost as well. Events like the Taipei International Book Exhibition can be healing spaces where celebration of life intertwines with mourning, creating lasting connections among attendees.
With much of their friendship shared publicly over the years, the impact of 大S's absence will undoubtedly resonate within the entertainment industry and beyond. The tributes, like those expressed by Cai during the event, affirm the notion: all beloved figures leave behind stories interwoven with their legacies, anchoring their memory within their community of friends and fans.大S may be gone, but her influence and the love felt by those who knew her will remain steadfast.
This powerful moment at the Taipei International Book Exhibition serves as both reflection and celebration of 大S's life, providing solace to those who continue to grieve her untimely passing. The emotional connection demonstrated by Cai offers hope and reminds us all: even through the depths of loss, the shared experiences of human connection endure.
The event encapsulated not just tribute but also the shared healing within public mourning. It stands as a reminder of all the bonds created through love and the effectiveness of storytelling to cope with collective heartache.