The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

Wu Li-pei, a Taiwanese immigrant, shares his journey to the US seeking freedom. Topics include struggles adapting to life in Kansas, job search success in Alaska, involvement in an assassination attempt, and discussions on revolutionary plans with fervent convictions.

Frank C. Chen was the mayor of Kaohsiung from 1960 to 1968. The foundation that bears his name is the reason we have Formosa Files. Paul Chen is one of Frank Chen's sons (b. 1944), and in 1979, he established the Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society. Why? Well, he and his dad were once avid hunters, and Paul Chen kept noticing there were fewer and fewer birds, and set out to do something about it. Today, Mr. Lin Kun-hai 林昆海 is the society's General Secretary, and in this bonus episode, we hear from both the founder and the person still leading the charge to SAVE THE BIRDS! Pics, links, and info on formosafiles.com.

Explore the remarkable journey of Wuhli Pei, a Taiwanese immigrant who became a prominent figure in the US banking industry and participated in Taiwanese American politics. From his early years in Taiwan to his struggles in pursuing love and his brush with arrest, Wu Li-pei's experiences offer a unique perspective on Taiwan's history.

Henry Kissinger, a controversial figure in US politics, facilitated the switch in diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. The podcast explores Kissinger's lack of support for Taiwan, his close relationship with China, and the major setback for Taiwan when US President Nixon announced his visit to China. It also covers the secret negotiations, the exchange of gifts between China and the US, and the aftermath of the summit.

The hosts discuss the history and controversy of soy products, including the invention of stinky tofu and the challenges of the imperial examination. They explore the etymology of 'soy' and its connection to soy sauce, as well as the popularity of stinky tofu among Chinese immigrants. The hosts also announce the launch of their publishing house, Plumb Rain Press, focusing on Taiwan history books. They give updates on the significance of the rainy season in Taiwan and tease upcoming episodes for the rest of the season.

Explore Taiwan's reputation as a food paradise, including its diverse ingredients and regional cuisines. Discover the origin of the famous Chiayi turkey rice and the success of the Din Tai Fung restaurant chain. Delve into the secret of sha-long bao dumplings and learn about the journey of Mr. Yang and his acclaimed restaurant chain. Finally, join a discussion on the popular street food, stinky tofu, and debunk misconceptions about Taiwanese cuisine.

Explore the historical connections between Tokyo and Taiwan, including Tokyo's influence during Japanese colonial rule and General Lissimo Junkei-Shek's time in Japan. Learn about Tokyo as a premier destination for higher learning, a scandal involving the Monopoly Bureau and narcotics, economic aftermath and ethnic tensions in both Tokyo and Taiwan, the impact of tuberculosis in Taiwan, and the complexities of rule and the victims of war.

Wu Zhuoliu, author of 'The Fig Tree' and 'Orphan of Asia,' shares his experiences during World War II and the challenges of writing during that time. The podcast delves into Taiwan's excitement after Japan's surrender, the arrival of nationalist troops, and the concerns about potential violence against Japanese civilians.

The podcast explores the captivating story of a man who claimed to be from Formosa despite being white, delving into his travels, evidence, and religious context. They also discuss Isaac Newton's beliefs, Salman's trial, early European presence in Taiwan, and the life and literary connections of Selmanazar.

Mark Crilley is one of the top 10 American manga artists, and he has a new graphic novel out called LOST IN TAIWAN (2023). Formosa Files caught up with Mark, who spilled the beans on why he was here in the late 1980s and early 1990s, what he loved (and what he loved a bit less) about Taiwan. After listening to this fun interview with Eryk and Mark Crilley, you’ll want to get a copy of LOST IN TAIWAN; it'll make you laugh, could be used as ESL material, and, like for Eryk, might just reignite some affection for things in Taiwan some of us have gotten so used to, we've forgotten just how beautiful and interesting they are.   Visit Formosafiles.com, as Mark gave us over 20 “sneak peek” pages of art from his book.