Experience the Spirit of Japanese Bushido: Kaohsiung’s “Budokan” Reopens to Recapture Its Former Glory

▲Kaohsiung’s Qishan “Budokan,” a municipal heritage site, has regained its past charm after restoration. (Photo provided by the Kaohsiung City Government, the same below)

By Reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive Report

You don’t have to go all the way to Japan to experience the martial spirit of Japanese bushido — you can now feel it right here in Kaohsiung. The Qishan Budokan, an 80-year-old historical structure, was destroyed in a mysterious fire in 1994 but has finally been restored to its former appearance today (the 21st).

Built in 1934, Kaohsiung’s Budokan combines Tang-style and Japanese architectural elements, featuring an elegant and solemn design. It was once a place where people studied kendo and judo, while also building the physical strength, endurance, and courage of young students. After being destroyed by fire in 1994, its black-tiled roof was replaced with a glass curtain wall. Following a year-long restoration, the Budokan has now regained its historic charm. It is currently managed by the Qishan Jiaocheng Art Association, with the main building serving as an exhibition space, cultural and creative market, lecture venue, and talent teaching facility.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu attended the inauguration ribbon-cutting ceremony and stated that the city government spent NT$22.45 million and nearly a year on the renovation to restore the Budokan’s original artistic and historical character. She also emphasized that future landscape renovations in the Qimei area must integrate harmoniously with surrounding buildings, preserving local features and historical ambience.

%The building retains its unique architectural style alongside others in the vicinity.