Da Xi Japanese architecture for Treasure Tuesday

 

Dàxī, a township in Taiwan, is renowned for its longstanding tradition of soy production. Beyond its culinary significance, the area is distinguished by a remarkable preservation of Japanese-era architecture—residences and structures that date back to the period of Japanese colonial rule from 1895 to 1945. These wooden houses, with their delicate carpentry, tiled roofs, and modest elegance, evoke a quiet nostalgia and stand as enduring symbols of a bygone era.

Curiously, unlike many post-colonial societies where resentment often lingers toward former occupiers, Taiwan exhibits a notably different sentiment. There exists, particularly among older generations, a sense of admiration and even fondness for the period of Japanese rule—often in contrast to the more complex and strained relationship with mainland China. This enduring affection is reflected not only in the preservation of architecture but in aspects of culture, infrastructure, and education that were shaped during the colonial era.

For me, these Japanese-era dwellings possess a certain wistful charm. Their presence stirs reflections on history, identity, and the nuanced nature of collective memory—a testament to how architecture can quietly narrate the legacy of a place and its people.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

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