Beyond 50 Years of Japan-Taiwan History ~ Art is Love (Let’s Connect, Let’s Look) ~
● Purpose of Holding the “Japan-Taiwan Bonds Exhibition 2026”
The inaugural “Japan-Taiwan Bonds Exhibition” was held in March 2025. We will hold the second exhibition in 2026. The venue will be the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, the same as the first exhibition. This time, we will hold it in a larger space of approximately 600 square meters, about three times the size.
The previous exhibition marked the 130th anniversary of Japan’s rule over Taiwan, which began in 1895. During this period, Shinpei Goto, who served as Governor-General and was also a physician, immediately focused on supporting the health of the Taiwanese people upon his arrival. He devoted himself to eradicating epidemics, his area of expertise, and the first infrastructure project he initiated to maintain health was the construction of a water supply system. Of course, the people of Taiwan recognize that the many other improvements he continued to implement laid the foundation for modern Taiwan. The subtitle “Beyond 50 Years of Japan-Taiwan History” forms the core of this exhibition. Shinpei Goto laid the groundwork for modern Taiwan in just 77 years, yet the subsequent 54 years hold significant reasons for attention.
The year 1972 marked the restoration of diplomatic relations between Japan and the People’s Republic of China. It was the year Japan achieved what is known as “normalization of diplomatic relations with China.” Consequently, Japan, acting purely on political grounds, had to refrain from friendly exchanges with Taiwan and, in a sense, was forced to sever ties.
However, Taiwan had already established all its infrastructure and acquired the means to govern itself solely by its own people. This event triggered a dramatic surge in Japanese visitors to Taiwan, establishing substantial human exchange that continues to this day. This is what must be called true “friendly exchange.” Therefore, the upcoming “Japan-Taiwan Bond Exhibition 2026” seeks to foster exchange centered on the theme of “true friendship,” and we are holding this exhibition for that purpose.
Event Dates: March 7–11, 2026
Exhibited Work: Unglazed Yao-Heng Tenmoku Tea Bowl (All-Black Tenmoku)
Venue: Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (Taiwan)
