Taiwan-Japan Collaboration: Century-Old Taiwanese Hakka Artifacts to Go on Display in September


The Taiwan Hakka Culture Development Center (THCDC) and Japan’s National Museum of Ethnology are collaborating in the special exhibition Founding Hakka and Japan: Another History of East Asian Relations Created by Chinese Overseas to commemorate the museum’s 50th anniversary. In addition to showcasing artifacts provided by THCDC, precious items from the last century, such as shellac discs and Hakka architectural models like that of the Tianshui Residence in Beipu, Hsinchu, have been borrowed from collections abroad. The exhibition will be inaugurated on September 5, marking five decades since the National Museum of Ethnology’s foundation, a momentous occasion.

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.