The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files
Taiwan’s 1930s Pop Boom, and Its First Pop Queen – S5-E18
8 snips
Jul 3, 2025 
Han Cheung, a writer for the Taipei Times' Taiwan in Time column, dives into the dazzling world of 1930s Taiwan pop music. He highlights Liu Ching-hsiang, Taiwan's first pop queen, who captivated audiences with her hit “Longing for the Spring Breeze.” The discussion navigates the vibrant musical landscape shaped by Japanese colonial rule, exploring the fusion of traditional Taiwanese sounds with Japanese Enka influences. Cheung also reflects on how changes in recording technology and cinema promotion redefined Taiwan's early pop culture.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cultural Environment in 1930s Taiwan
- In 1930s Taiwan under Japanese rule, people spoke Hoklo at home and learned Japanese in school.
- Local culture thrived initially without harsh suppression until late 1930s imperialization policies began.
Emergence of Modern Taiwanese Music
- Taiwanese opera was popular entertainment recorded by Columbia Records in 1920s Taiwan.
- The fusion of Taiwanese opera with Western-style backing bands marked the start of modern Taiwanese music.
Liu Ching-hsiang's Life Story
- Liu Ching-hsiang began performing very young and rose to become Taiwan's first pop star.
- She faced tragedy, supporting a sick husband before dying young at 29 during wartime repression of Taiwanese music.