To raise the profile of Taiwan Romantic Route 3 on the world stage, the Hakka Affairs Council (HAC) invited Japanese artist Koike Hiroyuki (小池博征) to visit Hakka villages on Taiwan Romantic Route 3 for three weeks under a program of international artist-in-residency.

Starting his journey on Aug. 25, Koike visited Taoyuan’s Longtan; Hsinchu’s Guanxi and Beipu; Miaoli’s Toufen, Sanwan, and Nanzhuang; and Taichung’s Dongshi. Inspired by the exploration of Hakka settlements and interaction with local residents, Koike created his artworks which featured the unique landscape of Taiwan Romantic Route 3.
 

HAC Deputy Minister Fan Tso-ming (范佐銘) attended Koike’s sharing session at Leonana Café in Hsinchu County on Sept. 13. Fan expected that Koike’s art pieces will increase the international visibility of Hakka culture. Through Koike’s enticing illustrations, it is expected that more visitors from Japan will be drawn to Hakka areas on the route and further boost the local economic growth, he added.

In addition to presenting his paintings, Koike delightfully shared the experience of the residency with his audience. He thanked all the Hakka people who had helped him and treated him like family during his stay. Koike was deeply touched by the locals’ generosity and hospitality.
 

In the end, he gave one of his watercolor paintings to Deputy Minister Fan. Koike noted that this painting portrayed the serene image of mountains, clouds, and blue skies, which is his strong impression on Taiwan’s Hakka villages. He explained that he had seized the fleeting moment to depict the picture which was seductive enough to clean people’s souls.
 

Koike stated that after returning to his country he will convey Taiwanese Hakka’s friendliness and warmth to his fellow men. He hoped that the future cooperation and cultural interchange will continue in an attempt to promote the beauty of Taiwan Romantic Route 3 to the world.
 

Through the international artist-in-residency program, HAC anticipates that not only Taiwanese people but also artists from foreign countries will perceive the fascination of Hakka settlements on Taiwan Romantic Route 3.