67 Japanese classic cars gather at Hualien Cultural and Creative Park   Gratitude for Taiwan’s generous support after the earthquake

▲ RALLY NIPPON’s Japanese classic cars made their display at the Japanese colonial-era Hualien Cultural and Creative Park on 11/12. (Photo / Reporter Wang Zhaolin. The following images are the same.)

Reported by Wang Zhaolin / Hualien

RALLY NIPPON’s collection of vintage Japanese cars arrived at the Hualien Cultural and Creative Industry Park—built during the Japanese colonial period—at 14:40–16:00 on November 12. The entrance of 67 classic vintage cars was warmly welcomed by the public, who eagerly took out their cameras to capture these rare and iconic sights.

The first vintage car to enter was the 1927 BUGATTI T35B, from the same era as the Andō Tei Restaurant in the park, which was built by the Japanese. This shared historical timeline created a special symbolic connection. After a brief stop, the vintage cars performed a mini rally demonstration, while the area also featured the “Jiku Jiku Market” and performances of classic jazz music, offering the public a memorable afternoon.

This year’s “RALLY NIPPON in TAIWAN 2016” was themed “Kizuna × Companion.” The Japanese character “kizuna” (絆) refers to the strong bond created by a tightly tied rope between two entities, symbolizing deep emotional connections and mutual support between people. It was selected as the Japanese Kanji of the Year for 2011 by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, as a token of gratitude for Taiwan’s selfless assistance following the 311 Great East Japan Earthquake. The Chinese character “ban” (伴), meaning companion, carries a similar sentiment to the Japanese “kizuna.” The event aims to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen bonds between the people of Taiwan and Japan—two nations with close historical, geographical, and cultural ties—especially among younger generations, and to pass on this spirit of close friendship to future generations.

RALLY NIPPON chose Hualien Cultural and Creative Park as its stop in Hualien, reviving memories of the past. The park was originally a brewery constructed by the Japanese during the colonial period and has withstood World War II and the changes of time, leaving behind faint traces of history. When vintage cars meet Hualien’s old brewery, it's like the enduring bond of friendship between Taiwan and Japan remaining ever-present. The owners of the Rally Nippon vintage cars arriving at Hualien Cultural and Creative Park warmly greeted the Taiwanese public, waving Taiwanese flags to express their gratitude, while the crowd enthusiastically waved back, conveying Taiwan’s warmth, friendliness, and hospitality.