The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files
EXTRA FOR HARDCORE LISTENERS! Hear the entire story of Japanese doctor Takagi Tamoe in this unedited, 27-minute version
May 22, 2025
Dr. Jimmy Lee, a prominent physician in Taipei, dives deep into the remarkable life of Dr. Takagi Tamoe, a pivotal figure in early Taiwan medicine. They explore Tamoe's samurai roots and his revolutionary contributions during Japan's colonial era. Hear about his determination in Meiji-era Japan and his role in modernizing public health and disease control in Taiwan. The conversation also highlights his legacy in medical education and the unique cultural bridges he built, emphasizing integrity and community in his approach to medicine.
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Takagi's Samurai Roots
- Takagi Tomoe came from a samurai family loyal to the losing Tokugawa side in Japan's civil war.
- This probably influenced his character and empathy towards colonized Taiwanese people.
Brother Funds Medical Education
- Takagi's elder brother secretly paid for his Tokyo University medical education.
- After graduating, Takagi quickly became head of prefectural hospitals in Fukui and Kagoshima.
Kitasato Institute Influences Taiwan
- Kitasato Institute innovated vaccine development, pushing Japanese medicine towards modernity.
- A fallout with Tokyo University caused many talented doctors like Takagi to pursue careers elsewhere, benefiting places like Taiwan.
