THCDC Director Ho Chin-liang recounted that this cross-national curating project first began with the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2017, lasting over 6 years in total. During this period, THCDC collaborated in field studies, academic exchanges, and mutual conversations with anthropologists, Hakka studies specialists, and Japanese scholars—the exhibition is backed by a foundation of meaningful research and ample resources.
THCDC expressed gratitude to donors of Hakka artifacts and relevant digital photos and videos, as well as to the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Chiayi City; Fenglin Township Office, Hualien County; National Chiayi University; Cyonglin Elementary School, Qionglin Township, Hsinchu County; Hsiao’s Historic House Committee, Jiadong Township, Pingtung County; SMC Publishing Inc.; and other institutions for lending invaluable Taiwanese Hakka items for the show in Japan.
Director Ho Chin-liang thanked Associate Professor Nara Masashi of the Department of Cross-Field Research, National Museum of Ethnology for personally coordinating the packing and transport of artifacts at the Taiwan Hakka Museum from August 2 to 5. Appreciation was also extended to the Hakka diaspora in Japan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Osaka for their assistance in promoting Taiwanese Hakka culture abroad.
The special exhibition Founding Hakka and Japan: Another History of East Asian Relations Created by Chinese Overseas is expected to open on September 5 at Japan’s National Museum of Ethnology. Lasting until December 3, it will comprise precious Hakka artifacts and recordings of Taiwanese Hakka dialects collected by Japanese scholars during field research. It is hoped that the exhibition will facilitate a better understanding of Taiwanese Hakka culture by people around the world, highlighting its rich heritage.