The 17th EAJW: NTU Sociology Leading Taiwan, Japan, and Korea to a Broader East Asian Vision
The East Asian Junior Workshop (EAJW), jointly organized each year by National Taiwan University (NTU), Seoul National University, and Kyoto University, marked its 17th year, hosted by NTU Department of Sociology. Professors Chia-Ling Wu, Lake Lui, and Yu-Ju Chien led the NTU delegation, together with eight sociology students—Hao-Ping Cho, Yi-Chen Lan, Rui-En Zhang, Zong-De Lee, Liang-Xun Chen, Ruo-Chen Jaw, Cheng-Hsi Yu, and Hsuan-Yu Tai—who presented papers and also designed and led field trips. The workshop not only introduced Japanese and Korean participants to Taiwan’s local culture but also deepened academic and cultural exchanges among the three universities.
The program opened with panel discussion by Professor Chung-En Liu (NTU) and Professor Stéphane Heim (Kyoto University), who examined the development of electric motorcycles in Taiwan and the historical trajectory of electric vehicles in East Asia, analyzing the industrial landscape of transport electrification from a technological perspective.
On the second and third days, 27 students from Taiwan, Japan, and Korea presented papers on a wide range of topics, including culture, gender, religion, politics, society, education, and technology. Ten professors chaired the sessions and provided comments, fostering cross-national dialogue that enriched sociological discussions with greater diversity and depth.
The fourth day began with a visit to the National Taiwan Museum, where participants explored Taiwanese architecture and cultural history during the Japanese colonial period. NTU students then guided a tour of the 228 Peace Memorial Park, reflecting on the White Terror at the memorial monument and learning about the park’s significance as an important LGBTI+ site in Taiwan’s urban history.
In the afternoon, NTU Associate Professor and current Legislator Yun Fan led a visit to the Legislative Yuan, sharing how a sociological perspective can inform governance and policy making. The workshop also welcomed former Hungarian parliamentarian Bernadett Szél, who discussed the challenges of legislative work from the dual perspective of a woman and a sociologist.
That evening, participants viewed the documentary Invisible Nation, which highlights the struggles and challenges of Taiwan’s democratic development. A post-screening Q&A was moderated by NTU Associate Professor Hua-Chen Liu, guiding students to reflect on Taiwan’s international dilemmas and the ways contemporary Taiwanese view both domestic and global politics.
The final day began at Longshan Temple, where participants experienced Taiwan’s temple culture firsthand—from architectural styles and deity worship to divination blocks and incense rituals—immersing themselves in the everyday practices of local religion. In the afternoon, attention turned to the issue of homelessness in Bangka Park. With insights from the Homeless Taiwan Concern Association and the sharing from an speaker, along with commentary from Professor Ke-Hsien Huang, students were encouraged to confront stereotypes and reflect on how both individuals and institutions might better respond to the needs of the unhoused.
The workshop concluded with a lecture by the Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTI+) Hotline Association. As the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, Taiwan provides an important point of reference for advancing LGBTI+ rights in East Asia. Students actively engaged in discussion, eager to learn more about the current state of LGBTI+ rights in Taiwan.
Despite the summer heat, the enthusiasm of participants from all three universities never lost. The 17th East Asian Junior Workshop thus concluded successfully, with anticipation to reunite next year in Seoul.
