The Taiwan History Podcast: Formosa Files

你知道嗎？臺灣的梅花鹿其實野外的族群已經滅絕。現在在墾丁看到的梅花鹿，都是後來復育的成果。然而臺灣還遺留有非常多以「鹿」命名的地方，間接展現臺灣過去應該是一個遍地鹿群的地方。究竟臺灣是怎麼從鹿群的天堂，變得需要復育梅花鹿呢？復育的成果又如何呢？這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊，臺灣梅花鹿的一些故事。

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

400 Years: Dutch Formosa - part two

Roughly 80% of Dutch (or other European) men settling in Taiwan as part of the Dutch East India Company's (VOC) presence on Taiwan married Indigenous Taiwanese women!

Learn more about Dutch-era Taiwan through the eyes of women as a remarkable woman, National Taiwan Normal University Professor Ann Heylen, gives us a glimpse into the severely Calvinist, yet practical, VOC - the world's first multinational corporation.

Visit ourwebsite for more.

在國內外發生重大災害的時候，總是會有一群人出現在災區，發放物資或為災民及救災人員準備餐點。臺灣人或許對他們並不陌生：臺灣佛教慈濟基金會，或是以前的慈濟功德會。雖然難免有若干爭議，但不可否認的，走出國際的慈濟已經成為臺灣歷史上非常重要的一個組織。這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊，慈濟基金會的一些故事。

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

400 Years: Dutch Formosa - part one

Of course, Chen Di was not actually the first person from China to visit Taiwan. What makes him special is that he wrote an account of what he saw here in 1603, and that account is the earliest surviving manuscript discovered thus far.

Chen Di's short travel commentary focuses mostly on the Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan; their customs, diet, etc., a rare and valuable documentation by a man who was both a scholar and a warrior. Chen Di's account of his 1603 trip was only rediscovered in 1955! 

Interestingly, the same year Chen Di came to Taiwan was when the Dutch East India Company (the VOC) set up a permanent trading post in what's now Indonesia. The Dutch are determined to break into the China trade market - but they'll need another base. Somewhere a bit closer.

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荷蘭人來臺雖然只有短短的三十幾年，但為臺灣帶來深遠的影響。其中之一就是把原產南亞、東南亞的許多物種引入臺灣試驗養殖或種植。當然荷蘭人的嘗試並非完全成功，也不一定為臺灣帶來正面的影響，但的確有非常多的物種就此被「馴化」，成為臺灣的物產。這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊，日常生活中意想不到的，由荷蘭人引入臺灣的一些物種。

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

Need a break from typhoons (Taiwan)? Need to escape the non-stop political election-related noise (USA)? Or maybe you simply would like to hear John and Eryk babble about a couple of strange out-of-print books with a Taiwan connection (everyone)?  

This week we meander, go off on tangents, tell virtually unknown stories (including mysterious deaths), and discuss two books we bet you’ve never heard of, let alone read. 

Also: Happy Halloween (and of course, it's Chiang Kai-shek's birthday).  

More info and links at FORMOSA FILES DOT COM

說到臺灣人早期學習英文的機會，ICRT大概是其中一個大家最熟悉的媒介。ICRT這個廣播電台的歷史從1957年的美軍電台開始，到1979年因為中美斷交而將設備象徵性的「賣」給中華民國政府，並在同年催生了「ICRT」，台北國際社區廣播電台（International Community Radio Taipei）至今，已經用ICRT這個名字在臺灣播送了45年。由於是臺灣歷史上唯一的英語廣播電台，又容易收聽，自然成為臺灣人學習英文與接觸外國文化的重要來源。這回的 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast，就由主持人 Eryk Michael Smith 來專訪ICRT的總經理 Tim Berge，一起為大家說說ICRT的故事。

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

來賓簡介：

Tim Berge（白健文）－來自美國明尼蘇達州，於1990年加入ICRT，在空中帶領通勤族從臺灣的混亂交通中找出一條回家的安全道路。目前擔任總經理，擅長英語和中文，熱愛火鍋和跑步，並喜歡看喜劇和享受戶外生活。

She loved opium, handsome pirates, and spoke English... plus she allegedly sometimes went into battle topless! He was a pirate warlord who, at one point, had hundreds of ships and tens of thousands of men under his control. 

Meet the Tsais (Cais): a crazy couple who deservedly became absolute legends. 

This story's English information comes mostly from  Maritime Taiwan: Historical Encounters with the East and the West (East Gate Books) by Prof. Henry Tsai.

Visit formosafiles.com for more links and info. 

國府在1949年播遷來臺的當下，美國發表聲明不再介入國共內戰，中華民國幾乎真的可說是風中殘燭。然而1950年的韓戰隨即改變了這一切，也改變了許多在韓戰中被俘的中共「志願軍」軍人的命運。究竟中華民國與韓戰還有什麼關係，又為什麼會有「一二三自由日」呢？這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊一二三自由日的故事。

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

Taiwan in 1946. How will post-war Formosa turn out? Will the KMT be successful in managing the local economy? Will there be strife between the new Chinese rulers and – until very recently – Japanized Taiwanese people?  Who knows? Well, we do... now. 

The Formosa Files team is pleased to bring you a rare gem: clips of a radio program by NBC, recorded in late 1946, just a little more than a year after the end of World War II. 

John and Eryk will play segments of this radio docu-drama and then comment on the facts, add info, explain context, and more. Enjoy this experience, which really feels like a kind of time travel! 

Info and links at formosafiles.com

中國東南沿海、臺灣海峽一帶自從明朝實施海禁政策以來，就成為了海盜橫行的海域，一直到清朝年間都還有海盜出沒，甚至還有許多名震四海的女性海盜。在1790年代，就誕生了一對海盜夫妻：蔡牽與蔡牽媽，堪稱是當時最強盛也最特別的海盜。這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊，大海盜蔡牽媽與蔡牽的故事。

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

Did you know?

1. Joseph Stalin saved Chinese characters. (um… sort of)

2. In Qing-era Taiwan, two men sometimes SHARED a wife! 

3. John has done 10 episodes of our other podcast, “Bookish Asia.”

4. Plum Rain Press, the new publishing arm of Formosa Files, is about to release an epic historical novel by Dr. Chen Yao-chang 陳耀昌, the man behind the Netflix series Seqalu.

This week John and Eryk wander around a bit, give you some info, tell a few cool stories, and have a laugh or two in one of Formosa Files’ every-now-and-then “Bits and Pieces” episodes.  

A BIG THANK YOU to all who have left a 5-star review, subscribed, and followed us on social media!

Pics, info, links, and more on our website.

攀登世界第一高峰聖母峰（珠穆朗瑪峰、Mount Everest）是全世界登山家的夢想。臺灣自1990年代起，也開始陸續有登山家成功登上這座高峰。然而1996年在聖母峰發生了一場悲劇性的山難，當時台灣隊的高銘和也被捲入其中，卻奇蹟似的存活下來。這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊這位臺灣登山家的故事。

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

In the first few decades after retreating from the mainland, the Republic of China on Taiwan needed to shine as brightly as possible in foreign spotlights to keep alive the idea (or some might say fantasy) that the government on Taiwan really did represent all of China, the most populous nation on earth. And so, for today’s episode, we turn to one of Taiwan’s biggest promotional efforts abroad; its largely forgotten appearance at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City.

Visit our website for pics, links, and more.

自從國民政府遷臺後，政府急需資金填補預算的黑洞；此外，臺灣自1970、1980年代經濟起飛後，人民財富迅速累積，一些人就開始追求「一擲千金」的刺激感，或是追尋一夜致富的手段。再加上或許臺灣人有種「賭性堅強」的性格，造就了臺灣歷史長久的賭博文化。這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊，彩券與賭博在臺灣的故事。

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

To celebrate Oscar-winning director Ang Lee (李安) being named the winner for theater/film of the 2024 Praemium Imperiale, a global arts prize awarded annually by the Japan Art Association, we thought we'd reprise our Ang Lee bio episode from Formosa Files Season 2. Enjoy! 

What does AI have to do with foot binding in Taiwan?Well, it's a 14-minute mini episode, so you're just gonna have to listen and find out.

We will, however, offer these three links:

1. NotebookLM by Google

2. The Rise And Fall Of Chánzú: A Short History Of Footbinding In Taiwan by Kate Allanson Conlon

3. Taipei Times BOOK REVIEW: Bound for better things? by Han Cheung 

說到臺灣的「國球」，雖然也有人自嘲是「贏球」，但大部分的人應該都會說是棒球。臺灣的棒球從日治時期開始發展至今，已是相對成熟的運動，從少棒開始為臺灣培養了許許多多的運動人才，也有選手去到國外發光發熱。然而臺灣棒球雖然有輝煌的一面，卻也有黑暗的一刻。這集 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast 就由兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊棒球在臺灣的故事。

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

Did you know that when the United Nations voted to admit “Red China” in 1971, then-California Governor Ronald Reagan called up President Richard Nixon and suggested that the United States quit the UN and become an “observer” in protest? 

To some, Reagan was and is controversial, but when it comes to support for the Republic of China (Taiwan), there is no debate: Reagan thought Nixon and – especially Carter – were wrong to “throw a loyal friend overboard.”  

Reagan came to Taiwan twice. The first time, in 1971, he was here as a reluctant envoy of Nixon on a mission to try and calm the fears of CKS over Nixon’s upcoming meeting with Mao in Beijing. During the second visit, as a private citizen in 1978, Reagan met with leader-in-waiting Chiang Ching-kuo and went back to the US full of praise for a modernizing Taiwan. 

When President Carter switched diplomatic relations from Taipei to Beijing, Reagan stated that the US didn’t get enough out of it. He pointed out that China was the “supplicant,” and therefore in a position of weakness, and Reagan said that the precedent of betraying a friend would not be forgotten by other friends of the US. 

Maybe he had a point.  

Visit formosafiles.com for links to videos, pics, info and more.

And check out our other podcast about books: Bookish Asia.

臺灣是個與全球接軌的島嶼，從過去到現在，都有許多「外國人」來到這個地方。有些人就只是短暫的過客，但也有許多人就此留在臺灣生活，融入臺灣的社會。然而這些甚至可能比你我都還臺灣的「外國人」，又真的成為「臺灣人」了嗎？就讓 Formosa Files 中文版的兩位主持人來與大家聊聊。

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

This forgotten father of Taiwan democracy sacrificed his comfortable life (he came from a rich family and had a PhD from the US in Chemical Engineering) to fight for Taiwanese independence in the post-WW2 decades.

In 1956 he was elected president of the Japan-based Republic of Taiwan Provisional Government. In some ways, he also sacrificed his Chinese-American wife and children. So, when his American granddaughter Kim Liao was growing up, Thomas Liao was almost never mentioned.

In this episode, John talks to Kim about uncovering her mysterious family history, the subject of her recent outstanding book: Where Every Ghost Has a Name: A Memoir of Taiwanese Independence.

(Note: John also recorded another episode with Kim focusing on her book – see Episode 6 of Bookish Asia with Plum Rain Press)

臺灣的珍珠奶茶國際知名，但臺灣的手搖飲文化其實起源意外的早。自日治時期、美援時期為臺灣引入調酒用的雪克杯之後，泡沫紅茶店開始興起，逐漸發展成專門外帶的茶飲店，如今臺灣的手搖茶飲店家數甚至比便利商店還多。臺灣的手搖飲文化以及茶飲文化，又有些什麼故事在裡面呢？就讓 Formosa Files 中文版的兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊。

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

Lonely Planet travel guidebooks provided some of best info on a new destination in the pre-internet era, and the late Robert Storey (1954-2017) wrote quite a few of them... including the first four editions for Taiwan. 

Robert Storey’s Lonely Planet Taiwan editions are funny, sarcastic, and insightful, and they now serve as wonderful “time capsules.” So, join us as we peek back at the late 1990s, and discover what’s changed - as well as what hasn't. 

Pics, links, and more at formosafiles.com

網路上討論最熱烈的臺灣夜市特色食物，大概莫過於「臭豆腐」。雖然贊否兩論，但外國人來臺灣時，只要問臺灣人「推薦吃什麼」，大概都會被推薦去夜市吃臭豆腐。這集Formosa Files 的中文版 podcast，就由兩位主持人來聊聊臭豆腐、夜市與一些特色食物。

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

Lai Dongjin 賴東進 was born into a “beggar family.” His dad is blind, his mom has a mental illness. He has 11 siblings! Many born into such a disadvantaged position would throw up their hands, blame fate, and quit the fight for life. But Lai refused to surrender – no matter how high the odds. His 2000 autobiography "Beggar Boy" was a best-seller (no English version) and today, Formosa Files brings you his remarkable story.

Visit the FORMOSA FILES WEBSITE for pics, links and more.

臺灣雖然只是個小島，但是機車密度卻是世界第一，幾乎到了平均每個成年人都擁有一部機車的程度。對很多人來說，機車也似乎就像是從青少年「登大人」的象徵，有了第一部機車，就像是可以開始脫離家裡的掌控一樣。這個與臺灣人有許多因緣的交通工具，究竟有些什麼歷史故事呢？這集的 Formosa Files 中文版 podcast 中，就讓兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊。

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

Did you know that all the water buffalo in Taiwan are the descendants of a group of these bovines from Indonesia (formerly the Dutch East Indies)? These poor water buffalo were put on a sailing ship by the Dutch in 1648 and sent to Taiwan!

Who knew? Well, former Dutch diplomat and current George Mason University Taiwan history professor Gerrit van der Wees does… and that’s not all he knows.

It was a genuine pleasure to chat with a person who's not only studied Taiwan extensively but who also played a big role in Taiwan’s fight to become a democracy. 

The day before former President Tsai Ing-wen stepped down, she honored van der Wees by conferring on him the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon, primarily for his work as chief editor of Taiwan Communiqué, a bi-monthly publication that chronicled Taiwan’s transition to democracy from 1980 to 2016.  

More info at formosafiles.com

AND: Check out our other podcast on books - Bookish Asia

提到臺灣的野生動物園，大家都會想到六福村。一部分聽眾朋友可能還會有記憶，以前甚至可以直接開車入園，直接在車上看動物。雖然六福村在1990年代起就逐漸不再允許開車入園，但2024年又重新少量開放，蔚為一波話題。這集的 Formosa Files 中文版 Podcast，就讓兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊印象中的六福村與其它臺灣的動物園。

The incredible story of Amis Taiwanese Olympic decathlete Maysang Kalimud, better known as CK Yang (楊傳廣), was one of the first stories featured in the first season of Formosa Files (December 2021).

At that time, John and Eryk bemoaned how little-known this amazing Indigenous Taiwanese athlete is and expressed hopes a movie about him might get made.

Well, we got the next best thing: a riveting documentary about the man who is arguably Taiwan's Olympic "greatest of all time" (GOAT) by CNN legend Mike Chinoy: Decathlon: The CK Yang & Rafer Johnson Story.

每年的農曆七月，就是臺灣民俗的「鬼月」。傳說在這個月裡，「好兄弟」們會回返陽間，人們也會準備各式供品讓祂們享用。而這個特別的月裡，也有非常多的禁忌；雖然現代人不一定願意再遵守這些禁忌，但一定都曾聽過身邊的人談論這些奇妙的規矩。不過「鬼月」真的是中華文化傳統當中的習俗嗎？這集podcast就讓兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊「鬼月」的一些歷史小故事與禁忌。

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

John chats with veteran Hong Kong-based journalist and author of The Island (2024) Mark O'Neill, who tells us what Taiwan was like in the early 1980s, when he first came to study Chinese.

Despite a mysterious knife attack and various authoritarian elements (such as “mail boxes” for reporting spies and subversives), he loved the country.

Over the next four decades, he made numerous trips back, witnessing and reporting on Taiwan’s transformation from one party rule to an admirable democracy.

The Island is not Mark’s first Taiwan book – earlier works include ones on Buddhist charity Tzu Chi and the National Palace Museum – so he brings both depth and breadth to his entertaining look at the country.

臺灣的便利商店密度，幾乎已經可說是舖天蓋地的程度。在城市中，幾乎每兩三個路口就有一間；城市以外的區域，便利商店也是上山下海無所不在。臺灣人個人乃至於整個社區的生活習慣，都因為便利商店而發生了翻天覆地的變化。至於便利商店在臺灣，又有些什麼有趣的故事呢？就讓Formosa Files中文版的兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊。

The person who did most of the work creating the company people around the world almost immediately associate with Taiwan has no ancestors from this island, was not born here, didn't go to school here, and only came here for the first time when he was almost 40 years old. 

But, of course, Morris Chang 張忠謀 didn't create Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) out of thin air, nor was he the sole person who set up the famous Taiwanese microchip powerhouse. He had partners, backers, and more than a little assistance from the Taiwanese government. 

As of this recording, the retired Morris Chang has a net worth of over US$3 billion and remains incredibly active, despite celebrating his 93rd birthday in early July. Check out this fascinating story on Formosa Files.     

See video from Asianometry on TSMC.

臺灣的機車密度世界第一，若再加上其它大小車輛，大概也是世界數一數二的程度。而在臺灣，各種車輛都免不了要掛車牌，也讓車牌成為臺灣的日常街景。然而臺灣的車牌實際上經歷多次改版，街上也時常可以看到懸掛舊式車牌的車輛。而從開放車牌自選號甚至競標以來，也讓車牌有些不一樣的意義與「價值」。究竟這個最日常的風景，會有些什麼樣的故事？在這集裡，就讓Formosa Files中文版的兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊臺灣車牌的一些小故事。

Did you know we once went to the Olympics under the name “Formosa”? 

At the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Taiwan will once again compete under the ridiculous name of “Chinese Taipei.” It’s a silly name that makes little sense... even if you are the PRC. Is there another Taipei that isn’t Chinese?

And, actually, we train our athletes in Kaohsiung, plus a good number of them are Indigenous people – so literally, they are NOT Chinese.

But most here feel participation is more important than names, and many also feel the world sees through these dumb attempts by Beijing to cover up the reality of Taiwan’s existence as a country. 

This week: the story of Taiwan’s participation in the Olympics and Asian Games, and the name changes along the way. 

Good luck to the “Formosan Kaohsiung” team in Paris this year!!

Visit formosafiles.com for links, pics and more.

Plus: We have a new podcast on books about Taiwan and East Asia: Bookish Asia by Plum Rain Press.

一講到「歷史」，很多人就覺得是好無聊的東西。從小到大的都被老師吩咐要「背起來」，然後又都是跟自己八竿子打不著的「歷史事件」、「歷史人物」。你也覺得是這樣嗎？來聽聽兩位主持人聊聊「歷史」吧！

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

Japanese princes, Taiwanese activists, a Korean martyr, American generals and presidents, Chiang Kai-shek and his son Chiang Ching-kuo.

It’s an action-packed episode with an amazing cast of characters. These little-known Taiwan-related assassination attempts and plots will surprise you.

And, we hope, also please you that they failed. As Eryk passionately points put at the end of the episode, assassination, even of a "bad guy" target, can lead to a worse replacement and the unleashing of chaos.

PLEASE "LIKE" or "SUBSCRIBE" or give us 5-Stars... it really makes a difference! Thanks!

Go to formosafiles.com for pics, links and more.

細心一點的聽眾朋友可能會在日常當中發現，「4」這個數字在生活中很容易被「消失」，尤其在樓層數和車牌號碼裡，很多時候都看不見「4」；但在國外，不見的卻常常是「13」這個數字。除此之外，在我們的生活裡還有許多數字，當然就又有許許多多的疑問。例如說，大家有沒有想過，為什麼臺灣電話的區碼是從臺北的「02」開始，沒有「01」？在這集裡，就讓Formosa Files中文版的兩位主持人來跟大家簡單聊聊一些數字的小故事。

ps. 因為天氣太熱，請原諒兩位主持人被曬昏的瘋言瘋語；若有得罪，敬請見諒！

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

In this short segment, John and Eryk first make the stunning observation that summer in subtropical Taiwan is hot. They then reflect on the "Pacific Story," an NBC radio docu-drama from 1944, an episode that was a hit with listeners. Moving along, they talk about a new podcast for book lovers: Bookish Asia with Plum Rain Press, and give more details on Plum Rain Press, a name to remember as it may soon become a big part of many readers’ lives. Enjoy the summer and catch you next Thursday! 

今年（2024）年是麥當勞來臺40週年（1984-2024）。當初麥當勞準備要進來臺灣時，並不如預想般順遂，甚至對臺灣的農業造成衝擊。然而繼麥當勞之後，臺灣的速食餐廳開始蔚為風潮，各家連鎖品牌開始湧現，甚至還出現了臺灣本土品牌的速食。究竟麥當勞與速食，在臺灣有些什麼故事呢？就讓Formosa Files中文版的兩位主持人來跟大家聊聊。重要單字：ransom、obese、globalization

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

A horrific murder of an American teenager by two other American teenagers in 1985 led to some serious soul-searching: 

How could the international community in Taiwan (some of whom don't speak Chinese well enough to get help from local sources) aid those going through mental health crises, are in need of counseling, or simply need better ways to gather and bond? 

The answer became the Community Services Center, a place where, for almost 40 years now, people help each other, organize public service activities, take language, weaving, or you-name-it classes, and much more. Adam McMillan (stepping down soon after 11 years as director) has some stories to tell.  

Pics, info, and more at formosafiles.com

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF ⁠LOCAL LANGUAGE LOANWORDS ⁠⁠⁠IN CHINESE!

若要說到全世界最知名的外來語，那大概就是「茶」這個字，無論「Cha」或「Tea」，都是隨著陸海貿易流傳世界。而臺灣以及鄰近的中國東南沿海，也因為頻繁的與外國商人貿易或甚至被殖民，而借用、借出了許多字彙，甚至還曾經發展出用於貿易的奇妙語言。

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

The current Beijing authorities make bombastic claims as silly as “Taiwan has been part of China since the dawn of the universe!!” The reality, however, is quite different.

Some Chinese dynasties may not have even known of Taiwan’s existence, while others definitely knew, and stayed away. Taiwan was an island filled with “savage” native people, and a great place to die from malaria.

After the forces of Koxinga’s grandson, Zheng Keshuang 鄭克塽, were defeated by Admiral Shi Lang 施琅 in 1683, Qing dynasty China didn't jump at the chance to make the island “a part of China.”

In fact, the great emperor Kangxi 康熙帝 initially thought it best to evacuate Chinese back to China, and leave Taiwan alone. Kangxi went as far as comparing Taiwan to a “skin rash,” saying it will require a lot of “scratching” once they got it. 

In the end, Shi Lang convinced the Emperor and Taiwan was absorbed into the Qing dynasty. But only parts of Taiwan.     

Links, info, book recommendations, and more at formosafiles.com

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF THE ORANGUTAN CRAZE IN CHINESE!

你相信在1980年代，也就是民國70幾年，在臺灣居然還能看到公然展示殺虎販售嗎？經濟起飛之後，人民變得富裕了，但也開始追求各種稀奇的「補品」或玩賞的動物。雖然今日的臺灣已經不再有這麼誇張的狀況，但就讓我們來聊聊，過去臺灣在野生動物保育上的一些故事。

It’s January 1944 and the tide of WWII has changed. Though it will be a long hard grind, victory is on the horizon. To “better inform the American public,” about the situation in the Pacific, NBC creates a series of radio documentary dramas in Hollywood, with expert writers and professional voice actors. Enjoy this 80-year-old gem that traces the island’s history from the Dutch to the “Chinese” on Japanese Formosa “yearning to rejoin the fatherland... China!” This old radio drama is a wonderful snapshot in time – 1944 – before the events of the following year (Hitler’s death, two atomic bombs dropped on Japan, the formal end of WWII, and Taiwan’s “return” to the Republic of China) shaped the world we live in today.

More info at formosafiles.com

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF CIA VS. MADE IN TAIWAN NUKES ⁠⁠⁠IN CHINESE!

1945年，美國在日本廣島、長崎投下兩顆原子彈，雖然結束了戰爭，卻為全世界帶來核武的衝突與創傷。而在中華民國，蔣介石也迫不及待的想要加入核武俱樂部。尤其在國府於1949年撤退來臺、1964年共產中國核試成功後，蔣介石對核武的焦慮更加深刻。從1965年起，臺灣在水面下祕密進行核武的實驗及武器級原料的製備，卻在1988年因為張憲義叛逃到美國而被全面終止……

重要單字：monitor、hardline、blackmail、honey trap

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

John talks with Chris Bates about one of Taiwan’s greatest ever martial artists, Hong Yixiang 洪懿祥 (1925–1993).

Hong was Taiwan’s foremost master of the Chinese internal martial arts (which consist of baguazhang 八卦掌, xingyiquan 形意拳 and taijiquan 太極拳.)

The Hong family learnt these fighting forms from exiled Mainlanders who fled the communists in the late 1940s. These skills were put to good use in dealing with local gangsters in the turbulent post-WWII years in Taipei.

Chris, who trained with Hong and his sons, translated his biography “Blurred Boundaries,” written by son Hong Ze-han, into English. Like the book, this Formosa Files episode is not just a conversation about kung fu, but a rich cultural dive down little-known alleys.

(Chris previously spoke with John about his own martial arts odyssey in Taiwan: “Bonus Episode: Way of the Warrior - Martial Arts Master Chris Bates,” May 25, 2023. )

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF GHOST PLANES AND THE JAPANESE FIGHTER PILOT WHO BECAME A GOD IN CHINESE!

1944年10月12日，臺灣沖航空戰首日，一位年輕的日本海軍飛行員被擊墜，喪生在臺南海尾寮附近。但在戰後，這位飛行員卻被在地居民建祠崇奉，也被當地大廟的神明收為徒弟，受賜「飛虎將軍」的名號。究竟這位飛行員是誰，又為什麼在地居民要奉祀祂呢？就由Formosa Files的兩位主持人來為您說分曉。

重要單字：venerate, ritual, ejector seat

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主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

Three devastating crashes over an eight-year span, 1994 to 2002, with a combined 685 fatalities; a record that could easily bankrupt an airline. However, China Airlines (Taiwan's flag carrier) not only survived these horrific events but changed and flourished. They improved pilot training and communication, and built a more robust safety culture, and in 2023, China Airlines won Global Traveler magazine’s “Best Airline in North Asia” award. 

Go to FORMOSAFILES.com for pictures, links, extras, and more. Song played at the end is an edited version of "Beautiful Island" by Kristin Lekven Hafell.

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF WHEN TAIWAN (ROC) BLOCKADED CHINA (PRC) ⁠⁠⁠IN CHINESE!

隨著海空軍實力加強，中國近年一直威脅要封鎖臺灣。然而在國民政府遷臺的至少十年之間，卻一直是中華民國在封鎖共產黨中國，而且還搞出相當嚴重的外交危機，差一點點就讓中華民國海軍在國際法上成為名實相符的海盜團體。到底當時發生什麼事呢？就讓我們來一起聊聊當時中華民國的領海關閉政策。重要單字：asylum, fascist, imperialism, guerrilla

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

Gladys Aylward and Ingrid Bergman: The former, a British-born Christian missionary to China and Taiwan, the latter a three-time Academy Award winner. However despite very different lives, the two will forever be connected after a book about Aylward was turned into a Hollywood movie starring Bergman. Formosa Files has the whole story in this week's encore episode, including: Why the film wasn't shot in Taiwan, and why Gladys thought Bergman was a "wicked woman."

Go to formosafiles.com for pics, extras, and more.

LISTEN TO THE STORY OFTHE RIOTERS RANSACK THE TAIPEI US EMBASSY⁠⁠IN CHINESE!

1957年（民國46年）5月24日，發生了一起令人匪夷所思的暴動事件。數千名群眾在持續一個下午的抗議示威後，侵入當時在臺北的美國大使館，破壞使館設施、毆打使館人員。究竟為什麼在戒嚴時期會有這麼大規模的暴動？又為何發生在當時的美國大使館？請聽Formosa Files中文版podcast為您一一道來。

重要單字：allow to, widow, martial law

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主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

During the Mao Zedong years, China was off-limits to Western researchers. Some came to Taiwan as a substitute, among them American anthropologist Frank Bessac. John chats with Michael Aldrich, author of “Old Lhasa: A Biography,” about Bessac’s work in Taiwan. They also recount his adventures in China, including an epic, ill-fated, months-long escape from Xinjiang to Tibet in 1950. Listen and you’ll see why John and Michael consider Frank Bessac (1922–2010) to be the epitome of the generation that earned the title “the Greatest Generation.”

Visit formosafiles.com for links to books, and more.

John chats with Michael Aldrich, author of “Old Lhasa: A Biography,” about relations between Taiwan and Tibet (specifically the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala, India). Despite Taipei and Dharamshala sharing a common foe, this relationship was for decades a difficult one. A turning point came in 1997 with the tremendously successful landmark visit of the Dalai Lama. And, we hear (via a translation read by Eryk) from Taiwan Tibet Office chief Kelsang Gyaltsen, about the warm Taiwan–Tibet relations enjoyed today.

Pics and more info at formosafiles.com

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE IN CHINESE!

臺灣，或說中華民國史上的第一夫人（以及想成為第一夫人的人），大多都是新聞報導關注的焦點，甚至如蔣宋美齡般成為世界知名的人物。然而在第一夫人的行列中，卻有一位稍顯黯淡無聲的夫人－蔣方良女士，即前總統蔣經國先生的夫人。且這名身居高位卻低調沉默的第一夫人，甚至不是中國人，而是來自「敵方」的俄國人……

重要單字：infidelity, infiltrate karma

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主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

On Saturday May 18th, 2024, a group of local lawmakers will visit Taiping Island 太平島, a tiny strip of coral and sand in the Spratly Islands more than 1,500 km away from the southern tip of Taiwan. As anyone who reads the news knows, numerous islands, reefs, shoals, and even barely visible rocks scattered across the vast South China Sea are considered flashpoints for World War III, as China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and even tiny Brunei each claim some degree of  sovereignty. So, which claimant really owns the Paracels? Who do the Spratly Islands really belong to? In this week's island hopping adventure, we simplify some complicated history; plus, John gets worked into a mild frenzy over guano fertilizer while Eryk gets a tad too territorial. 

We've got maps, pics and more at formosafiles.com

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF THE 1973 QIJIN FERRY TRAGEDY⁠⁠⁠ IN CHINESE!

1973年（民國62年）9月3日早上，在高雄港發生了一起嚴重的沉船事故。總共有25位乘客罹難，而且這25位乘客全部都是13至30歲的未婚女性。究竟為什麼會有這麼多的年輕女性罹難？事件的後續又如何呢？重要單字：tragedy、condolence、urn

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

John recently visited the National Radio Museum in Minxiong Township, Chiayi County. This led to some research on the use of radio for propaganda. Whether harnessed by the imperial Japanese military or the CIA, “Free China” or the People’s Republic of China, radio waves were important weapons in a cross-strait battle to tell their version of the truth. Enjoy some classic Chinese communist radio broadcast gems that assure all compatriots that the brilliant sun of Mao Zedong will soon illuminate every part of Taiwan. (Happily, not.)

Check out formosafiles.com for more

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF BARBIE: MADE IN TAIWAN ⁠⁠⁠IN CHINESE!

芭比娃娃是陪伴許多人童年的娃娃，2023年甚至還有一部以芭比娃娃為題材的電影發行，也再一次讓這個世界級的娃娃成為熱門話題。然而有許多人不知道，從1960年代起一直到1980年代，全世界有超過一半以上的芭比娃娃都是在臺灣生產製造。當時芭比娃娃的美泰兒公司（Mattel, Inc.）與臺灣的華夏塑膠策略聯盟，在臺灣臺北縣泰山鄉（現在的新北市泰山區）設立「美寧工廠」，生產芭比娃娃並外銷到世界各地。如果是年紀稍大一點的聽眾朋友，搞不好您以前的芭比娃娃就是M.I.T.的喔！重要單字：icon、packaging

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

When Chen Shui-bian 陳水扁 began his university studies in 1969, gifted student though he was, few could have imagined he would become Taiwan’s first non-KMT president. The young Chen had no political plans – he wanted to study business and make money for his impoverished family in rural Tainan. One day during his first semester, he heard a speech by an independent candidate who publicly criticized the autocratic rule of the KMT. Chen was fascinated. Listen to this week’s story to learn how Chen changed majors, and despite being called “boring” by a few young women he liked, eventually wed Wu Shu-chen 吳淑珍, the daughter of a wealthy Tainan doctor. Plus, Chen’s involvement in the Kaohsiung Incident of 1979, a turning point for the democracy movement and for Chen. And we end with Chen’s first stint in prison; not the more recent sentences for corruption, but in the mid-1980s for libel.

Pics, links and more at formosafiles.com

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LISTEN TO THE STORY OF ⁠TAIWAN'S MUSICAL GARBAGE TRUCKS ⁠⁠⁠IN CHINESE!

說到臺灣日常中最特別的聲音，莫過於幾乎每天都在大街小巷裡響起的〈少女的祈禱〉與〈給愛麗絲〉。臺灣垃圾車播放音樂，其實遠自1968年（民國57年）就已經開始。一路發展到現在，垃圾車的「曲目」也有許多變化，但臺灣人聽得最久、最習慣的還是這兩首曲子，也成為臺灣日常最特別的文化。這集就讓我們來聊聊臺灣垃圾車的音樂文化。重要單字：propose/proposal, handwriting

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

Not so long ago, talking about Taiwan independence could earn you a lengthy prison term. That changed in the late 1990s as Taiwan embraced democracy. Taiwan independence advocates in the United States have always enjoyed more freedom of speech, but pro-independence organizations that pulled stunts such as chaining themselves to the doors of the U.N. building or flying pro-Taiwan banners over Little League games did come under official scrutiny. One such group, the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA), was actually placed on a “terrorist” list. This week, Eryk chats with the President of the Pennsylvania Chapter of FAPA, Liam Keen, a man from the UK who holds ROC citizenship, and lives and works in both the US and Taiwan. Keen argues that actions by FAPA are producing meaningful changes in the recognition of Taiwan as a de facto sovereign state by the United States, noting that until FAPA fought and won, a Taiwan-born could person had to list their place of birth as “China” on U.S. government documents. Enjoy a fun, slightly argumentative discussion on what Taiwan should be striving for in the international arena, and the difference between symbolism and substance.

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF TAIWAN'S GREAT PORK APOCALYPSE (1997) ⁠IN CHINESE!

你知道嗎？臺灣曾經是全球第二大的豬肉出口國，更是日本最重要的豬肉來源地。然而在1997年，豬口蹄疫情在新竹被發現，爆發性地席捲全臺，使得臺灣養豬產業蒙受極為重大的打擊。一直到二十幾年後的今天，臺灣才真正擺脫當年口蹄疫帶來的影響，重新要把臺灣豬肉推向國際。

重要單字：smuggle、outbreak、hoof

相關書籍：

T. C. Locke。Barbarian at the Gate: From the American Suburbs to the Taiwanese Army。 （中文版：《台灣饅頭美國兵》，林道明著）

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter only served one term, but those four years were rough: oil embargos, inflation, the Iran hostage crisis, and the decision to recognize the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It was an unpopular move, especially in Taiwan. President Carter asked his deputy secretary of state, Warren Christopher, to go to Taipei and deal with the fallout. Christopher received possibly the most hostile “welcome” to Taiwan ever experienced by an American government official. 

Pics, videos, links and more at formosafiles.com

LISTEN TO THE STORY OF THE HIJACKING OF CHINA AIRLINES FLIGHT 334IN CHINESE!

「僵局」一詞定義了 1970 年代和 1980 年代初台灣與中國的關係。雙方都不想透過「官方」會談或交流承認對方的合法性，因此郵政、航班的聯繫以及兩岸相隔數十年的家人團聚等想法都難以推動。但就在 1986 年，由空軍 U2 偵察機飛行員轉任的中華航空機長王錫爵幹了一件不可思議的事——劫持自己駕駛的貨機並將其飛往廣州，也為兩岸關係帶來改變的契機。重要單字：defect、assume。

主持人簡介：

Eryk Michael Smith－ICRT南臺灣特派員，長期從事記者採編工作、聲音編輯，也會客串DJ。現居高雄，在臺灣已經居住了接近30年，認為臺灣是自己的家。

Eric Hsu（徐葆權）－彰化北斗人，從大學南漂高雄以來，人生的大部分時間都在高雄渡過。關心臺灣文史與地方文化發展，尤其是自己的兩個家鄉：北斗與高雄。

Drawing on an account never before told in English, we visit Taiwan in the company of French war correspondent Reginald Kann. Upon his arrival in Taihoku (Taipei), he hurries down to the city of Chiayi to investigate the aftermath of the massive 7.1 magnitude Meishan Earthquake of March 17, 1906. Kann reports on the damage and the relief efforts being carried out by Taiwan's relatively new Japanese masters. He gives us a fascinating look at the disaster (which took 1,258 lives) and also Japanese colonial rule as it was moving from military subjugation to development. The Frenchman’s “Report on Formosa” was published in French and Dutch. Now, thanks to AI and the talents of a Formosa Files fan, we can bring you the tale in English. 

Info, pics and more at formosafiles.com

Taiwan is in mourning for those lost or injured by the huge earthquake that happened on the morning of April 3rd, 2024. In this short special episode, we hear John Ross' feelings about the earthquake which this latest one is being compared to: 921, or, the quake of September 21st, 1999, which claimed the lives of several thousand people. In our sadness for those affected, it's good to remember that we've been here before, and came out stronger. The 921 earthquake taught many lessons that very likely saved lives on April 3rd, 2024. We are Taiwan. We will rebuild and we will learn lessons for the next time. Our condolences to all those who are suffering. 

Here is the "921 chapter" from John's book "Formosan Odyssey," read by Eryk.  

In the previous episode, we told you how these three rather stunning neo-classical Chinese buildings came to exist. This week, we’re looking at them through a “culture and society” lens. The massive statue of Chiang Kai-shek remains on its pedestal at the CKS Memorial Hall. A place built to venerate a dictator, however, became the site of the Wild Lily protests demanding a democratic Taiwan in 1990, the year after tanks answered calls for freedom in a square in Beijing. We’ll look at what the National Theater and Concert Hall (NTCH) offers visitors, and finally, how do you bring a “traditional Chinese” theater and concert hall (both inspired by buildings in China’s medieval Forbidden City) into the 21st century?

Pics and links atformosafiles.com

China-born architect Yang Cho-cheng 楊卓成(1914-2006) left his magnificent mark on Taiwan with the CKS Memorial Hall, and the National Theater and Concert Hall (NTCH) among his greatest masterpieces. This week, we’ve got part one of the story of how a classical Chinese-style trilogy of buildings came to stand in the heart of Taipei City.

Pics and more at ⁠formosafiles.com⁠

People do indeed marry ghosts in Taiwan! Formosa Files does not mean to mock or in any way be disrespectful to local traditions. Instead, we hope this episode’s two main ghost stories – one (probably) a tall tale – and the other a true story of a man taking a ghost bride, will offer listeners important insights into Taiwanese culture, belief systems, folk religion, and ideas about family, and filial piety. More common in yesteryears, but ghost marriages remain part of local traditions into the 21st century.

 More info at formosafiles.com

In the summer of 1973, a young Mike Chinoy finagled his way onto one of the earliest trips of civilian Americans to “Red China.” He would later become CNN’s China correspondent – moving to the PRC in 1987 – and became famous as he reported live on the infamous events that transpired in and around Tiananmen Square in Beijing on June 4th, 1989. Chinoy is in Taiwan for an extended stay, working on a documentary project. In this week’s interview episode, hear Chinoy tell Formosa Files about his first trip to Taiwan in 1974, his feelings on the CCP crackdown in Hong Kong, and his pride at watching Taiwan blossom into “the freest nation in Asia.” Links to Chinoy's books, pics, and more at formosafiles.com

Gyalo Thondup རྒྱལ་ལོ་དོན་འགྲུབ has had a very interesting life. Born in 1927, he’s the second-eldest brother of the current (and 14th) Dalai Lama. Brother Thondup has long been an unofficial envoy for the Tibetan leader-in-exile, and in May 1950, Gyalo Thondup became the first “officially acknowledged” Tibetan to visit Taiwan since 1949. What was he doing here? Why Taiwan? What were then-president CKS's feelings about Tibet? Find out in this week’s Formosa Files episode. 

See pics and more at formosafiles.com

Twenty-five young women and girls drowned after a severely overloaded ferry capsized in 1973. The deaths spurred changes in public transport safety in Kaohsiung, and the victims became part of a social debate over women's rights. 

Photos and more at formosafiles.com

Did you know:

This episode isn’t a commentary on current events. Instead, it’s a conversation with 91-year-old professor Meron Medzini from Jerusalem, who was awarded a medal for contributions to bilateral ties and Taiwan studies. This is an episode for hardcore history lovers, with loads of fascinating stories and, “now we know” info from a man who watched Israel, China (the PRC), and modern democratic Taiwan grow and evolve from their inceptions.

Check out formosafiles.com for pics, links, and more.   

Welcome in the Year of the Dragon with this encore of a classic episode from Season Two. Eryk claims all Taiwanese/Chinese holidays are based on sad stories filled with misery, terror, and death. John disagrees. And so the two go over the major holidays celebrated here, and, well, you be the judge of who wins this argument. Also, we cover holidays that used to be part of our calendar, until we had to give them up in exchange for two-day weekends. 

AND, a very Happy New Year from Formosa Files and the Frank C. Chen Foundation. Check out formosafiles.com for more. 

In the left corner, mega-multinational corporation DuPont. In the right corner, farmers from central Taiwan’s Lugang 鹿港. Ready? Fight!! To open Season Four, we have a David vs. Goliath story, made more complicated by the fact that the Davids in this tale weren't sure what weapons they could get away with using. Taiwan was changing fast in 1986, but it was still under martial law, and protests were often dealt with harshly. DuPont, a huge American company, wanted to build a chemical plant in Lugang (usually spelled as “Lukang”). Taiwan's government said “sure!” The people of Lugang, however, weren’t so cool with it... and for the first time in modern Taiwanese history they launched a “rebellion” against a major corporation, and the ROC authorities.  

Check out formosafiles.com for links, pics, and more.

1958. Just 66 years ago, yet Taiwan back then was like a completely different country. There was no television, but there were Russian-language radio broadcasts to Siberia. Eryk and John share nuggets from a 1959 ROC booklet, “101 Questions about Taiwan,” which proves to be both a humorous and fascinating time capsule of facts and stats. Enjoy this journey back to the year 1958, when sugar dominated exports, and Taiwan manufactured 93 jeeps! 

Visit formosafiles.com for links, pics, and more.

Linda Arrigo has been in Taiwan for many years, working as a human rights activist, as an important member of the early team of fighters who risked life and limb for a democratic Taiwan, and more recently, worked with the Taiwan Green Party on environmental issues such as stopping NPP4. She's also taught in local universities as a professor. Her Ph.D. thesis (1996) was on land  ownership inequality in pre-1949 China, a topic she started working on in 1975 during early graduate study -- but had to return to because her questionnaires on girl factory workers in Taiwan (field research 1975, 1977-79) were confiscated during a police raid on her home following the Kaohsiung Incident. She was married to the late Shih Ming-teh from 1978 to 1995. And while, like many, she has a great amount of respect for the former political prisoner-turned statesman, Linda notes that history will unfortunately remember the errors he made in his latter decades that sullied his once-glowing reputation.   formosafiles.com has links, pics, and more.

Shih Ming-teh 施明德 died on the morning of his 83rd birthday, January 15th, 2024. This Taiwan democracy champion spent a combined 25.5 years in Taiwanese prisons for “sedition;” what the one-party state called his activism. Shih would live to see Taiwan blossom into a free society, and received recognition for his role in the long, hard fight. But in the last decades of his life, Shih's reputation took a beating - leaving a stain on his legacy. Despite this, “Nori,” as he was called by friends and family, will always have a place in the pantheon of Taiwan democracy freedom fighters. Here’s his story:  Visit https://www.formosafiles.com/ for pics, links, and more.

Nancy Chen Baldwin's early life – when she was sold by her parents to a bargirl for US$100 – might sound like something out of a novel set in the Middle Ages. But the old practices of selling, “lending,” giving, and unofficial adoption of children persisted in Taiwan until relatively recent times. Nancy, in many ways, was one of the lucky ones; she wasn't sold to a brothel, as some other young girls were back in the post-war years when Taiwan was desperately poor. But her tale of suffering, relocating to the USA, and finally triumphing over her demons deserves to be heard, as it's both educational and inspirational. Nancy released her book One Thousand Layers of Water and Clouds: The Tale of A Taiwanese Daughter in September 2023, and not long after, she spoke with Eryk from her home in the United States.  

Visit formosafiles.com for pictures, links, and more.

“Blatant sex capital of Asia, where vice is legal and the price is right,” was how one book described Taipei in 1969. Listen as Taipei-based journalist David Frazier takes us through the history of Taipei’s first foreign-oriented red light district, an area of girlie bars and nightclubs that was, and still is, known as the “Combat Zone.” Frazier explains how this infamous entertainment zone formed around nearby US military bases, the history of prostitution in modern Taiwan, and how a bar zone became a conduit for Western culture.

Visit formosafiles.com for pics and more.

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) PhD candidate Angel B. Menéndez came to Taiwan from his native Guatemala on a full scholarship provided by the Taiwan government. For Taiwan, this was a wise financial choice as Menéndez first studied mechanical engineering, then Mandarin, and then became involved in the historic achievement of a Taiwanese space program; not with the official Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), but with a team of researchers at Tainan's NCKU. In 2017, they put a “nanosatellite” into orbit, a model of which is now on public display. They've since put up a few more and, due to Covid, Menéndez has recently been the only expat on the team. Hear Eryk chat with Angel about these remarkable achievements and the team’s plans for the future of Taiwan in space. 

Visit formosafiles.com for pics, info, and more.

December 25th. A special day celebrating the birth of... the Constitution of the Republic of China. Once a holiday that rather conveniently overlapped with Christmas, today you don't get the day off in Taiwan. So, to relieve the pain of being forced to work on Christm... um... Constitution Day, John and Eryk bring you some festive cheer by recounting the history of the ROC Constitution, examining each and every amendment, and reading it in the original Mandarin. Just kidding. John gives Eryk an ROC citizenship test. Will Eryk have what it takes to become an ROCian? Will he know the answer to important naturalization questions such as, “Is it permissible to open an emergency door of an airplane in flight?” Find out in this holiday special from Formosa Files. 

In the 1960s and 1970s, many tens of thousands of Taiwanese went into self-exile; most of them headed to the United States. The people who became Taiwanese-Americans did so for a variety of reasons, but it's probably fair to say most were seeking opportunities more readily available in a democratic, free society. Taiwan in the 1960s and '70s was a place where freedom of expression -- be it in art or politics -- was severely limited. One of these exiles was Wu Li-pei (吳澧培), a Taiwan independence campaigner. Here's part two of his story.

And make sure to read Wu's memoir if you're interested in Taiwan politics. The book contains plenty of "sensitive" details and other behind-the-scenes insights.

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.

A generation of Taiwanese left (or you might say “fled”) Taiwan in the 1960s and 70s, with most going to the United States. Some went to school there and stayed, while others emigrated as they saw no future for themselves and their families in the then one-party ROC state. This Taiwanese diaspora was a boon for America; intelligent, hard-working, educated people, many of whom went on to contribute greatly to the American economy and US culture. However, some of these exiles dreamed of a day when their political views could be spoken aloud in Taiwan without fear, and when that day finally came in the late 1990s, some returned and some then also participated in local politics. Wu Li-pei, a pro-independence, pro-democracy activist, was one such man. Wu's life (1934-) spans modern Taiwanese history and his story of being from “two countries”  is one many others experienced – US immigrants for whom Taiwan always remained home. 

Visit formosafiles.com for book links, pics, additional info, and more.

Henry Alfred Kissinger died on November 29, 2023 at the age of 100. This incredibly controversial figure was a massive player in US politics and policies during the last four decades of the 20th century. Among the most consequential choices Kissinger facilitated was the switch in diplomatic recognition by the United States from Taipei (the ROC) to Beijing (the PRC), a decision later followed by most of the world's nations. To mark his passing, we're rereleasing our "Nixon Goes to China" episode from earlier this year, with a special intro. 

Formosafiles.com has pics, maps, details, info, book links, etc.

Although Eryk is as sick as a dog, both he and John are in very high spirits, and not just because, once again, they get to chat about stinky tofu. In this "bits and pieces" episode there's some jumping around, a look back and a look ahead. But most importantly, we tease an exciting new development! No, Formosa Files isn't going into the Chou Doufu business, but rather... Well, find out by listening to the show.

We hope by now you know that formosafiles.com is a must-visit for extras: book links, pics, images, maps, videos and more, all on our newly-redesigned website where you can message us, review the show or even leave a voice note. And please rate us on Apple or Spotify, it really helps!  

Taiwan is a food-lover's paradise, with tasty treats, delicious dishes, scrumptious suppers, marvelous morsels... a versatile, vast variety of fabulous foods. John and Eryk aren't really down with the whole clichéd, “let's make stuff about foreigners eating stinky tofu” phenomenon, but we decided to do a food episode, topped with some yummy yarns from yesteryear. Hear the origin story of the locally globally-famous Chiayi turkey rice, the 15-star gourmet Din Tai Fung restaurant chain, and finally, yes, we'll sniff out some feelings on chou doufu 臭豆腐, the smelly snack that seems to somehow always steal the show.

Visit formosafiles.com for maps, videos, links to books, extra info, and more.

This week we're looking at Tokyo, and telling a few tales that connect events in that major world city to people, places, and things in Taiwan. ポッドキャストをお楽しみください

Visit Formosafiles.com for pictures, links and more.

Writer Wu Zhuoliu 吳濁流 (1900-1976), sadly, never saw Taiwan blossom into a democracy. But he left us with some of the most important works ever written about 20th-century Taiwan. Among these is the autobiography “The Fig Tree”, whose early chapters mirror the events in his acclaimed novel “Orphan of Asia.” In S2-E29, we covered Wu’s younger years as in Japanese colonial Taiwan, his grandfather’s tales of a cultured, ancient China and the influence these ideas had on Wu. We told the story of Wu’s time in “the Motherland,”  where he discovered that the China of his imagination was simply that – imaginary. Today, we pick up his story as WW2 comes to an end and the Chinese Nationalists arrive. Wu describes how Taiwanese jubilation soon turned to despair, and how this exploded into riots and killings known collectively as the 2/28 Incident.

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And, visit formosafiles.com for pics, links and more.

Formosa Files has gained a lot of new listeners of late, and many seem to begin listening from where they first encounter the program. But there are lots of great episodes from seasons 1-2 and, as this one is the one that started it all, we're rereleasing a new edit of Season One, Episode One: “The White Formosan.” Our sound quality and editing skills have improved greatly (um... we hope you agree) since the launch of the podcast in late 2021, but we hope our enthusiasm and love for telling stories from Taiwanese history has only grown with our audience. Thanks to long-time listeners for sticking with us, and a very big welcome to all the newer folks!

Originally released on September 6, 2021.

Visit Formosafiles.com for links, picture, images, maps, book reviews, videos and more!

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 Clubis managed by the sponsors of the Formosa Files podcast, the Frank C. Chen Foundation.

Visit formosafiles.com for pics, links and more.

Tea was domesticated in China, and the knowledge of how to grow it, harvest it, and process it was a closely guarded secret. After basically becoming addicted to the beverage, the British needed to find a way to grow their own tea, as buying it from China was eating up their silver reserves. So, missions of “tea espionage”were conducted, most notably by a Mr. Robert Fortune, who had the good fortune to be able to visit Taiwan on a whirlwind trip. He only spent a day on the island, but he wrote about it, giving us a look at pre-treaty port Qing era Taiwan, and he made several interesting botanical discoveries. Visit formosafiles.com for links, pics and images, etc.

Taiwan loves seafood, and boats from this island trawl for yummy ocean offerings thousands of kilometers away from our shores. Taiwanese fishing vessels are very good at what they do, but they weren't always so good in how they did it. The use of drift nets, so-called "walls of death" that entangle species like sea turtles and dolphins, drew international ire. Taiwan boats also did a lot of fishing in waters they weren't supposed to be in. By 1989, the US Coast Guard had had enough and launched a sting operation to catch the violators. They ended up chasing a Taiwan-registered ship for some 2,700 miles (or about 4,300 kilometers). Here's the story: 

Note: This episode was originally released on January 9, 2022, under the title E1-S23 - Walls of Death.

Pics, links, maps, and more at formosafiles.com.

John chats with photographer Chris Stowers. In 1988, Chris sailed a traditional Indonesian boat on an epic sea voyage (a trip described alongside the three-part series on the Free China junk, S3-Ep23-25). This led to his first story and photos being published, and the beginning of his career in photography. He came to Taiwan on a political photo shoot in 1991 and made it his home base for covering Asia later that decade. Work and wanderlust have taken Chris to over 70 countries, and his pictures have appeared in numerous publications, from Newsweek to the New York Times to numerous guidebooks. In an interview full of practical recommendations, Chris tells John about a recent book, “Discovering Taipei on Foot,” gives insights on getting great pictures of people, and shares his favorite temples, festivals, and photo spots. 

Pictures, links and more at formosafiles.com, and visit chrisstowers.comfor images by Chris Stowers.

Here's something we bet you didn't know: in 1938, Soviet pilots in Soviet planes (disguised to look like ROC Air Force planes) bombed the main airfield in Taihoku (now the Songshan Airport 臺北松山機場 in Taipei City). We've got that story and more as this week John and Eryk get a bit geeky and delve into some of the stories behind the planes we saw during recent visits to the Gangshan Aviation Education Exhibition Hall (航空教育展示館).

Visit formosafiles.com for lots of great pics, links and more.

Not gonna lie folks: this episode gets dark; the story of a super swine slaughter. But, there's also some tasty morsels of info on Taiwan's favorite meat, and the pig’s place in the island’s history and culture. Plus, a final happy ending involving little cute piggies, but you'll have to have to visit formosafiles.com to see the pics.