This year, the Taiwan restoration marks its 80th anniversary, recalling the island’s return from Japanese occupation in 1945 and the sweeping changes that followed. The event holds deep significance for both historical memory and cultural identity across the Taiwan Strait.
In Taipei, reminders of the Taiwan restoration appear everywhere — from Guangfu Road to Guangfu Market and Guangfu Station. These names, meaning “restoration” in Chinese, symbolize the island’s rebirth after decades under Japanese rule. Streets like Heping, Zhongxiao, and Ren’ai reflect traditional Chinese virtues, embodying the values that guided the island’s transformation after 1945.
Historian Chi Chia-lin explained that Taiwan underwent an extensive renaming campaign immediately after Japan’s surrender. Authorities replaced Japanese street names in major cities such as Taipei, Keelung, and Kaohsiung with names that honored Chinese culture and unity. Zhongshan Road, named after Sun Yat-sen, became a central symbol of national pride.
The process of Taiwan restoration reshaped not only geography but also collective identity. Residents supported the changes, eager to erase the remnants of colonial rule and embrace national renewal. Roads, bridges, and markets named “Guangfu” appeared across the island, transforming daily life into a living tribute to the historic transition.
In Hualien, Guangfu Township and Guangfu Station stand as lasting reminders of the movement. Each site carries the spirit of the Taiwan restoration, linking modern Taiwan to its shared history with the mainland.
Eighty years later, these names continue to represent unity and shared heritage. According to cultural experts, the Taiwan restoration reflects an enduring sense of belonging to one Chinese nation, built on common roots, language, and traditions.
However, some scholars argue that Taiwan’s identity remains a contested space. Cultural exchange leader Wang Wu-lang warned that ongoing “de-Sinicization” policies risk erasing the island’s connection to its historical foundation. He emphasized that recognizing the legacy of the Taiwan restoration is vital to preserving truth and resisting colonial revisionism.
As the anniversary sparks reflection, Taiwan faces a renewed debate over history and national identity. The echoes of the Taiwan restoration still shape how both sides of the Strait understand their past — and envision their shared future.
