To raise the profile of Taiwan Romantic Route 3 on the world stage, the Hakka Affairs Council (HAC)
invited Japanese artist Koike Hiroyuki (小池博征) to visit Hakka villages on Taiwan Romantic Route 3 for three weeks
under an international artist-in-residency program.
Starting his journey on Aug. 25, Koike visited Taoyuan’s Longtan; Hsinchu’s
Guanxi and Beipu; Miaoli’s Toufen, Sanwan, and Nanzhuang; and Taichung’s
Dongshi. Inspired by his exploration of Hakka settlements and interactions with
local residents, Koike created artworks featuring the unique landscapes of
Taiwan Romantic Route 3.
HAC Deputy Minister Fan Tso-ming (范佐銘), who attended Koike’s experience-sharing session at Leonana Café in Hsinchu County on Sept. 13, believes that Koike’s art pieces will increase the international visibility of Hakka culture. Through Koike’s enticing illustrations, it is expected that more visitors from Japan will be drawn to Hakka areas along the route and further boost local economic growth, he added.
In addition to presenting his paintings, Koike delightfully shared the experience of his residency in Taiwan. He thanked all the Hakka people who had helped him and treated him like family during his stay, noting that he was deeply touched by their generosity and hospitality.
At the end of the session, he gave one of his watercolor paintings to Deputy Minister Fan. Koike noted that this painting portrays the serene imagery of mountains, clouds, and blue skies that make up his strong impression of Taiwan’s Hakka villages. He explained that he had seized the fleeting moment to depict a scene that was seductive enough to cleanse people’s souls.
Koike stated that after returning to his country, he will convey the friendliness and warmth of the Taiwanese Hakka community to his fellow countrymen. He hoped that the cooperation and cultural interchange will continue and that the beauty of Taiwan Romantic Route 3 will become known to the world.
Through the international artist-in-residency program, HAC anticipates that not only Taiwanese people but also artists from foreign countries will be able to experience the fascinating Hakka settlements on Taiwan Romantic Route 3.