QiKan Issue 3: Japanese Residents in Taiwan

QiKan Issue 3: Japanese Residents in Taiwan The third issue of QiKan, themed "Japanese Residents in Taiwan," is now available. We interviewed individuals like Lin Hsiu-chia, director of the Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau, who has facilitated numerous airline routes to Naha in recent years; Mariko Okubo, an actress set to appear in the new drama "Ichijitsu Ichie"; Professor Daisuke Kinoshita from National Central University, who is developing Taiwan's first domestically produced astronomical camera; Yuka Aoki, who shares Taiwanese culture with Japan through her radio program "Raku Raku Taiwan"; and music producer Toshimitsu Fujii. Also featured are an accountant, a trendy boutique owner, a sanshin musician, a university student, a live house manager, and a J-drama director. What motivated them to work in Taiwan? What was their first encounter with the island? How do they adapt to life in this southern land, with its distinct customs and practices compared to their homeland? And why did they ultimately decide to settle here long-term? This issue reveals the life stories of Japanese people in Taiwan, as seen from within the island. The inaugural issue, launched last November, was "100 Ways to Get to Know Japan," exploring various facets of Japanese culture. The second issue, released early this year, "Welcome to Kyoto: Accommodation," delves into the hidden cultural details of Kyoto, often overlooked during stays. For its third issue, QiKan turns its lens back to Taiwan, a place familiar to us all. From childhood, we've encountered Japanese people in various settings: exchange students on campuses, colleagues on assignments, chefs in neighborhood izakayas, and even in popular tourist spots like Kangqinglong, which attracts many Japanese visitors. Despite the historical context following World War II and the severance of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Japan, fewer Japanese people settled in Taiwan over the years. However, recent trends show a reverse growth in the number of Japanese individuals moving to Taiwan for work. While we are more familiar with those opening restaurants, working in general offices, or as translators, a closer look reveals that long-term residents from Japan come from a diverse range of professions, some with astonishingly surprising job descriptions. These individuals are showcasing their talents in Taiwan, where the environment for entrepreneurship is relatively more liberating.