The Shinjuku of Taiwan

A glance at Taiwan’s urban scenery tells a lot about the island’s past. The architecture, sometimes very Chinese and sometimes closer to Japan, reveals Formosa’s particular history. Occupied by Japan for a period of 50 years, it is only comprehensible that one might find himself balanced between two different cultures while strolling in the streets of Taipei. There is something clearly Japanese about the Ximen Ding area, and as most foreigners I was very impressed by the japanese pop culture atmosphere that floats in the air of the district.