Taiwanese Sakura - A Symbol of Japanese Influence

This was a very interesting article about the influence of Japanese culture and infrastructure on Taiwan. The country was ruled by Japan for 50 years up until Japan’s defeat in World War II, but, unlike Korea (who also were ruled by harsh Japanese taskmasters), the Taiwanese have embraced much of what Japan infused in them. The article focuses on one example in particular, the fact that Taiwanese have made sakura (cherry blossom) planting and sightseeing a major event. In a quote directly from the article, “Analysts say the obsession with sakura -- a key symbol of Japanese civilization -- is a measure of the enormous cultural clout Japan wields on the island, second only to China in its impact.” The article ends with a submission that while Taiwan has embraced much of Japan for themselves, they are still Chinese by culture.

There were a few points I found particularly interesting about this article. First, the fact that Korea and Taiwan had such drastically different reactions to the Japanese occupations of the early 20^th century. Second, the fact that Taiwan has managed to infuse the form of Japanese culture into their own culture without loosing their distinct Chinese identity. I have never been to Taiwan before, but friends who have served missions in Taiwan often told me about the Japanese influences they experienced there. I am really looking forward to going there! But too bad we won’t be in Japan or Taiwan for sakura season…

http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/34617-the-empire-smiles-back-taiwan-s-japanese-cherry-festival

Trevor Habermeyer