The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

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.

Hear the tale of Japanese colonial officials discovering golf as the "new cool thing for elites" -- and ordering a course built in just a few hours. Plus, the story of Lu Liang-huan (呂良煥), a man from a poor family who worked his way up from being a caddy to an impressive 2nd place win at the 1971 British Open. NOTE: We are re-releasing this episode in celebration of the 62nd anniversary of the Kaohsiung Golf and Country Club 高雄高爾夫俱樂部, a public course and oasis of nature, trees, and birds in the middle of the city (and, of course, an international-standard golf course). This episode first came out in July 2022. The Kaohsiung Golf and Country Club is managed by the sponsors of the Formosa Files podcast, the Frank C. Chen Foundation. Visit formosafiles.com for pics, links and more.

British tea enthusiast and explorer, Robert Fortune, embarked on a secret trip to Taiwan in 1854 to learn the secrets of tea production. Despite spending only a day on the island, he made fascinating botanical discoveries and documented pre-treaty port Qing era Taiwan. This episode explores the British obsession with tea and their attempts to grow it in India. It also delves into Fortune's perilous journey to Taiwan, the endemic Fomosa Lily, the poverty in a Taiwanese town, and the subsequent boom of Taiwan's tea industry.

Taiwanese fishing vessels were notorious for their use of drift nets, which caused international outcry. In 1989, the US Coast Guard launched a sting operation to catch illegal Taiwanese fishing boats. They chased a Taiwan-registered ship for 2,700 miles. The podcast explores the decline of salmon population in Alaska, the impact of rapid industrialization on Taiwan's fishing industry, challenges faced by fishermen, and the ban on driftnet fishing.

Photographer Chris Stowers, known for his epic sea voyage on a traditional Indonesian boat, shares his experiences and insights on photography in Taiwan. From practical recommendations to favorite temples and festivals, he covers photography spots in Taipei like Elephant Mountain and the Shinko Mitsakoshi store. The conversation also delves into the significance of Taiwan's historical events and the speaker's growing appreciation for the country amidst the pandemic.