History of Taiwan: Under Japanese Rule
Among the groups of people who came and stayed on the island, I gonna start with the Japanese. Japan as a lifelong neighbor has a strong influence on Taiwanese history. In fact, it is probably just as strong as the influence of China due to colonization.
In the late 19th century, China (the Qing Empire) lost the First Sino-Japanese War. As a result, the Qing Empire ceded Taiwan in the treaty. It started the colonial period in the Taiwanese history.
The colonial period lasted for 50 years, ended with World War II. Through out the period, Japan ruled Taiwan with the knowledge from the western world. You can easily tell from the architecture.
Taipei, as the current capital and the capital city during the colonial era, preserves the most buildings that leave traces of the history. Actually, the Presidential Hall (總統府) itself was built and served as the Japanese governor’s office.
Around that neighborhood, Ximending (西門町) started as a grand marketplace according to the Japanese urban planning. The Ximen Red House (西門紅樓), for example, was the shopping mall for the Japanese residents who lived in Taipei. Now it is an art center where film festivals and art performances hold.
@How do I get there?
Take MRT Blue Line to Ximen Station (西門). Exit 1 for the Ximen Red House. To the presidential Hall, take Exit 3 and walk along BaoQing Road (寶慶路).
Or sign up for TourMeAway — Old Town Taipei Tour, let me take you there ;)
At the south part of Taipei City, two universities located in the middle of the busy streets. National Taiwan University (國立台灣大學) and National Taiwan Normal University (國立台灣師範大學) are both set up by the Japanese. The old wooden houses on QingTian Street used to be the faculty’s dormitory.
Now, the old dorms are turned into bookstores, antique shops, and tea houses, imitating the refined and slow-paced Japanese lifestyle. It is almost like a college town with a lot of hidden surprises. So take your time, walk slowly and enjoy the atmosphere.
@How do I get there?
Take MRT Orange Line to Dongmen Station (東門). Take Exit 5 and walk along Lane 198, Sec.2 Xinyi Road (信義路二段198巷).
Or sign up for TourMeAway — Taipei Chill Out Tour, we will take you there.
DaDaoCheng (大稻埕), one of the oldest district of Taipei, is the best place to see a complete Japanese colonial style building complex. Being the busiest harbor in Northern Taiwan during the period, this was where the rich families lived. The decorations on the roofs told it all. The family put whatever could honor them on top of their houses, in the hope of being recognized by whoever passed by.
DaDaoCheng is also famous for Lunar New Year shopping. Whatever you need to start a new, prospering year, you can find them here. Dry goods, candy, spring couplet, just to name a few. If you’re lucky enough, you can feed yourself by the free offerings by the street food vendors.
@How do I get there?
Take MRT Green Line to Beimen Station (北門). Take Exit 3 and walk along TaCheng Street (塔城街).
Or sign up for TourMeAway — Vintage Taipei Tour, let us will take you there.
Despite the fact that the Japanese used to control the island with fear, they did upgrade the infrastructure and improved the hygiene condition. Moreover, throughout this period, the Japanese developed the entire island, even reached to the east coast where the Qing Empire barely touched.
Colonization created this bitter-sweet relationship we have with Japan. I guess no matter what, it’s part of the history and has already been part of the Taiwanese people for ages.
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For those who can read Mandarin, feel free to visit my Mandarin Blog: Donna Wang, 多拿王拿很多
For those who want to explore Taipei, sign up for the walking tours provided by TourMeAway. We are the coolest people in the city.
