Kyoto Journal – Issue 96

Kyoto Journal Issue 96 (Our Neighbor, Formosa) is heading to Taiwan and available now from LOREM (not Ipsum). Taiwan’s success story as a young democracy and economic power in spite of its tumultuous modern history; its cultural richness and extraordinary natural beauty, all go largely unnoticed in the Western world. This is Kyoto Journal’s case for Taiwan, the Beautiful Island—for its greater inclusion on the global stage as a place to follow, visit, invest in, and, perhaps above all, to be moved and inspired by. Complete with stunning photography and illustration.

Founded in 1987, Kyoto Journal (KJ) is an award-winning, volunteer-driven quarterly magazine presenting thought-provoking cultural and historical insights from Kyoto, Japan and all of Asia. Now the longest-established independent English publication in Japan, our interdisciplinary approach, high standards of journalism and stunning design have brought us several international independent press awards, including the Utne Reader and Pushcart Prize. Our Founding Editor, John Einarsen, also received the Japanese government’s Cultural Affairs Agency Award for Kyoto Journal’s long-term efforts to introduce Kyoto and Japanese culture to the English-speaking world. A journal, whether public or private, is an ongoing means of looking afresh at the inhabited world, both social and natural. In selecting material for Kyoto Journal we look for intelligent work that comes also from the heart. We are curious about society, beliefs, traditions and new developments — how people live, and live well — through the lens of Asian experience. At the same time, our name, “Kyoto Journal,” also reflects more than a physical location. Kyoto is a place of deep spiritual and cultural heritage, and has been the measure of such things here in Japan for more than a millennium. Kyoto culture has looked deeply inwards and has also drawn richly from outside, especially since the Meiji modernization. Essentially, Kyoto Journal is a community that transcends place, while respecting and celebrating regional and local identity.

Features

Voices from Taiwan
Outstanding Taiwanese individuals looking to share Taiwan’s story with the rest of the world.
Highlights: Profile of Taiwan’s first Digital Minister, Audrey Tang / Chieh-Ting Yeh of English-language outlet Ketagalan Media / Artqpie: fostering Asia’s zine culture

Inspired by Taiwan
Visitors and long-time residents of Taiwan elucidate on how the country has transformed their perspectives or inspired their art, and what lessons it has for rest of the world.
Highlights: Photographers Josh Ellis, Sean Lotman and TC Lin point their lenses at the island’s preserved Japanese colonial architecture; its vibrant street culture and natural wonders / Bill Stimson asks how Taiwan has successfully retained its networks of artisans and smaller markets in the face of rapid modernization

Startup focus
New businesses looking to make an environmental and social impact both within and without Taiwan.
Highlights: Spencer Ke at 9f Coliving on transforming Taipei’s abandoned apartments for a new generation / Renato lab on helping big brand manufacturers end linear thinking and implement circular economy solutions / Gogoro’s battery engineer Daniel Vickery on making the world’s most innovative electric scooter

Tea & Arts
The multi-dimensional nature of Taiwan’s tea culture, from farming and Zen, all the way to Instagram.
Highlights: The sisters at Jing Gu Tea whose father developed the first Japanese-owned black tea plantation in the country / Self-taught teapot maker and social media star Wu Wei Cheng / A look at some of the highlights of the little-known Taiyupian (Taiwanese language) film industry

Poetry & Book Reviews
An eclectic selection as usual! Includes the poetry of prominent literary figure Yang Mu, and a review of the novel Green Island by Shawna Yang.

Details: Kyoto Journal – Issue 96

128 pages, printed in Kyoto