{"id":2616049,"date":"2025-08-18T14:37:28","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T14:37:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wacoca.com\/news\/2616049\/"},"modified":"2025-08-18T14:37:28","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T14:37:28","slug":"we-taiwan-identity-through-art-beyond-expo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wacoca.com\/news\/2616049\/","title":{"rendered":"We TAIWAN: Identity Through Art Beyond Expo"},"content":{"rendered":"

This post is also available in:
\n English<\/p>\n

A visual art exhibition is underway at the VS. event space in Osaka\u2019s Kita Ward. Holographic projection mapping casts scenes of the sky, the ocean, and whales onto a 15-meter-high wall, drawing viewers into a dreamlike, painterly world. Titled We TAIWAN, the same technology is used inside the TECH WORLD pavilion at the Expo.<\/p>\n

\"\"Visitors step into the world of paintings through immersive projection. (\u00a9JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)<\/p>\n

Also featured is “The Mother Rivers of Taiwan,” a newly unveiled indigo-dyed piece by dyeing and weaving expert Chen Jinglin. He used traditional tie-dye techniques rooted in natural methods. Photos of dye plants from Taiwan and real fabric samples are displayed alongside the exhibit. Together, they create a hands-on learning experience.<\/p>\n

“Taiwan has high mountains. So, it not only uses its own tropical plants, but also uses the same plant dyes as Japan, such as persimmon and indigo.” I\u2019ve even invited Japanese teachers to Taiwan to teach Nishijin-style techniques.\u201d Chen spoke warmly about dyeing as a form of cultural exchange.<\/p>\n

\"\"Chen Jinglin explains his work. (\u00a9JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)<\/p>\n

We TAIWAN is organized by Taiwan\u2019s Ministry of Culture and the Taiwan Cultural Center of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan. The event runs through August 20 at four locations across Osaka City, with 545 participating artists.<\/p>\n

\"\"Display of Taiwanese plant-based dyeing. (\u00a9JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)<\/p>\n

Message Behind We TAIWAN<\/p>\n

Taiwan is not a member of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), and cannot join the Expo as a country. Instead, it participates through a Japan-registered company, Tamayama Digital Tech. The word \u201cTaiwan\u201d is absent from official Expo maps. From the outside, the pavilion\u2019s identity is unclear \u2014 but inside, it highlights Taiwan\u2019s strengths in semiconductors, art, nature, and tourism.<\/p>\n

In contrast, We TAIWAN places Taiwan\u2019s identity front and center through art. The event runs for about 20 days in Osaka, outside the Expo venue. Deputy Minister Sue Wang of Taiwan\u2019s Ministry of Culture traveled to Japan for the launch.<\/p>\n

\u201cTaiwan is excluded from many international events,\u201d she said. \u201cAlthough this is not part of the official Expo venue, we want to express Taiwan through art. Through friendship with the people of Japan, we hope to show that no one in the world should be left out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Sue Wang shares her thoughts at the We TAIWAN venue. (\u00a9JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)<\/p>\n

Reflections from the Taiwanese Community in Japan<\/p>\n

Chen Tien Long, chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Support Association, shared his thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s unfortunate that We TAIWAN could not be officially featured at Expo 2025. Still, the effort to showcase Taiwan through art carries strategic value and cultural meaning.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added, \u201cThe Expo is a global stage where countries highlight their unique appeal. Even in a private pavilion format, if you present cultural creativity and originality, it can still attract international attention.\u201d Art, design, and technology \u2014 both inside and outside the Expo \u2014 can rise above politics. They offer a strong way to express Taiwan\u2019s spirit and diversity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speaking as a member of the Taiwanese community in Japan, Chen said, \u201cJapan has deep respect for art and design. Cultural exchange that avoids political overtones is often more warmly received. Efforts rooted in everyday life and human connection can sometimes speak louder than rigid, state-driven narratives. For those of us living here, this kind of cultural diplomacy carries deep meaning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Through art, We TAIWAN has become a resonating voice for Taiwan on the international stage.<\/p>\n


\n\"JapanRELATED:<\/p>\n

Author: Mika Sugiura<\/p>\n

This post is also available in:
\n English<\/p>\n

\t\tContinue Reading<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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