How do I best enjoy TAIWANfest?

What kind of event is TAIWANfest Canada?  Why does Canada even need a TAIWANfest?  Two years ago, FairchildTV brought a group of people to attend the festival, and I had the pleasure of being their tour guide through the festival.  Through my engagements with them, I discovered there was quite an appetite to learning more about the event. Please let this series of articles serve as your very own guided tour!

Why is TAIWANfest showcasing Japanese culture in 2017?

Whether it’s in Toronto or Vancouver, TAIWANfest takes place in the urban heart of a diverse metropolis. In its purest form, the festival isn’t just a guest borrowing the use of such a venue; we instead take the approach of hosts.  The idea for Dialogues with Asia was born from two simple questions: for tourists coming to downtown Toronto or Vancouver, why should TAIWANfest be there to welcome them? What kind of value does the festival offer to Canada as a whole?

The answer is quite simple. We have value because we are in a diverse society, and it is only by enhancing diversity that we grow our value. This Kanpai with Japan, or any future Dialogue with Asia, is an opportunity to promote one thought: Canadian diversity is a wonderful and vibrant scene, and the engagement between cultures and communities is a cause well worth celebrating!

Of course, the relationship between Taiwan and Japan cannot be summed up in only a few words. Perhaps this will be an opportunity for some to discover the unique and touching tales between Taiwanese and Japanese peoples. “Kanpai, Japan!” is not about exhibiting Japanese culture (an activity already very expertly handled by many Japanese Canadian communities) but rather to bring to light the connections between these two island nations. This is a fresh story, an interesting tale, and a saga with a lot of depth!