As promised, Mayor Ishihara was present at the train's debut journey and served as the Formosa Star's spokesman, spreading the news to his countrymen in Japan, who have traditionally been strong supporters of Taiwanese tourism.
「寶島之星」推出後確實備受矚目，舒適的軟硬體設備外，火車靠站後再以接駁專車直達各觀光點，尤其沿途住宿點如花蓮遠來大飯店、台東知本老爺酒店和日月潭涵碧樓等，皆為一時之選，除了為這趟行程增添魅力，也是人們茶餘飯後的焦點話題。