From Ashes to Innovation: Japan, Taiwan, and the Spirit of the Osaka Expo of 1970 – S5-E32

In 1968, just 23 years after the end of WWII, Japan became the
world’s second-largest economy (and would remain so until
2011, when it was overtaken by China). 


 


In 1970, Japan highlighted its rise from the ashes by
holding the Osaka Expo, a showcase of technology,
culture, and confidence — from a monorail to moving walkways to
videophones. It was the first World’s Fair held in Japan,
and also in Asia. For the Republic of China (Taiwan),
however, it would turn out to be something of a swan song on the
international stage; in 1971, Taiwan lost its seat at the United
Nations, and in the following years numerous countries switched
diplomatic recognition to the PRC.


 


But join Formosa Files as we visit Osaka in those happy days of
1970, when the future looked bright; astronauts had just landed
on the Moon, Japan’s miracle was in full swing, and the world
gathered to imagine tomorrow. Take a tour around the
ROC’s futuristic pavilion, designed by I.M. Pei, which was a
break from the classic Chinese palace architecture favored by the
government. And learn about a remarkable forgotten Taiwanese
travelogue-thriller film, Tracing to EXPO ’70.





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