Yasuo Kiyonaga

Kyoto Museum of Photography Gallery Japanesque will host the “Taiwan Nostalgia: A Journey Through Century-Old Streets” photo exhibition by Yasuo Kiyonaga from April 15 to May 18, 2025, to commemorate the publication of Taiwan Nostalgia: A Journey Through Century-Old Streets (photography by Yasuo Kiyonaga and editing by Sangyo Henshu Center). Approximately 30 photographs, including those featured in the book, will be on display at the exhibition.

Taiwan’s old streets are treasure troves of mystery and nostalgia.

Currently, Taiwan’s old streets are gaining attention as popular walking spots. These streets are not just old; they are lined with historically significant and beautiful buildings, as well as unique shops offering local delicacies and distinctive products that can only be found there. They have become popular tourist destinations, enjoyed by both Taiwanese and foreigners alike.

For Japanese people, these old Taiwanese streets evoke a sense of nostalgia. Many of them were built or renovated during the Japanese colonial period, around a hundred years ago in the Taisho era (1912 to 1926), using the Baroque architectural style that was popular in Japan at the time. Unlike in Japan, where such old streets have mostly disappeared, these streets have maintained their historical appearance. Although we have never seen actual Baroque architecture from the Taisho era, visiting old Taiwanese streets somehow brings about a nostalgic feeling. Whether this is due to our historical awareness or perhaps something ingrained in Japanese DNA, it remains a fascinating phenomenon.

An extract from Taiwan Nostalgia: A Journey Through Century-Old Streets (photography by Yasuo Kiyonaga and editing by Sangyo Henshu Center)