The ceremony was attended by officials from Taipei City Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs, leading literary figures like Taiwan novelist Wang Wen-xing, representatives from publishers Erh Ya Press and Hung-fan Bookstore, as well as members of the family of original Japanese owner Tokumatsu Hiramatsu.
Built in 1917 as an upscale restaurant and banquet hall, Kishu An derived its name from owner Hiramatsu’s hometown Kishu in present-day Wakayama, western Japan. Restored to its former glory, the wooden structure now serves as an exhibition venue operated by Taiwan Literature Development Foundation.
Along with Kishu An Forest of Literature, which was inaugurated in 2011, the complex is the first public space in the city devoted exclusively to literature-related activities, according to the Department of Cultural Affairs.
After the end of the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945), Kishu An was used as a dormitory for Taiwan Provincial Government employees. Wang, who moved into the house aged eight, based his celebrated 1972 modernist fiction “Family Catastrophe” on his experiences living in Kishu An with his family.
The structure fell into disrepair in the 1990s after two major fires destroyed the main building, leaving only a small wing standing. This rectangular hall was designated a municipal historic site in 2004, and was restored under an NT$16.5 million (US$548,360) project starting in January 2013.
Situated in the literary hub of Taipei, the Kishu An neighborhood is home to seasoned publishing houses including now defunct Belle-letters Publisher, Erh Ya Press and Hung-fan Bookstore. This area is also studded with the erstwhile residences of such legendary literary figures as writer Lin Hai-yin and poet Yu Kwang-chung. (YHC-JSM)
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