San Yu Bookstore

San Yu Bookstore is Kaohsiung's first independent bookstore. The building is a post-war townhouse, a highly representative architectural type, and was once a guava orchard. After the opening of Zhongzheng Road, it became the first building constructed in the area and has been preserved in its original state to this day. Currently, it operates as a physical store, maintains a member website, sends out newsletters, publishes print periodicals, and produces podcast programs. It reaches readers of diverse backgrounds and age groups through Facebook, LINE, Instagram, and Plurk. In 2024, its Facebook page has over 70,000 followers and more than 350,000 total views, while its Instagram has over 9,000 followers and more than 280,000 total views. On average, it hosts hundreds of events annually, presented in diverse formats including lectures, exhibitions, markets, and concerts. It addresses a wide range of issues, such as editorial publishing, mother tongue promotion, local cultural history, environmental protection, gender equality, and political situations. Upholding the belief that "niche is not small," it provides a platform for exposure and exchange for diverse voices and creative forms from around the world, advocating for diversity and equality. Some examples include, with further details to be elaborated later: (1) Promotion of Independent Publications: It strives to become the most comprehensive "Zine" collection space in Kaohsiung. Many creators, before achieving widespread recognition, expanded their market through independent publishing. Examples include: Gao Yan, known for her delicate and exquisite style, who has illustrated book covers for Haruki Murakami; Ikuriku Gokochou Design Office, celebrated for its vibrant and lively colors, with projects spanning Europe and America; and Feifeizi, who explores modern desires with a particular focus on female portrayal. All of these artists have long-standing relationships with the bookstore. What appears to be an ordinary bookshelf secretly holds future Taiwanese luminaries. (2) International Exchange and Collaboration: It has been interviewed and reported by numerous media outlets, particularly many from Japan, with NHK being the most well-known (due to timeliness issues, the online video has been removed). Currently, the most frequent international visitors are from Hong Kong and Japan. Publishers, bookstores, and creators alike have proactively reached out for discussions on collaborations, including lectures, exhibitions, merchandise sales, and even inviting San Yu to appear at overseas pop-up events. (3) Uncovering the Charm of the Island's Identity: It is dedicated to collecting and reporting on local Kaohsiung stories, publishing Chinese and Japanese versions of "Shi Xing" and the online program "Reading Kaohsiung, A Sound Journey." Through "walking tours" (combining reading with exploration), it guides the public to learn about Taiwanese culture and history, primarily based in Kaohsiung, with some routes extending to Pingtung, Tainan, and Chiayi. It also supports cultural equity, fully participating in invitations to markets in remote areas. Recently, it has partly invested in and assisted in promoting the TV series "Hear the Tide Roar," which has been widely praised by the public. (4) Diverse Project Execution: It interacts with both government agencies and private enterprises, assisting in matching different cross-disciplinary units for greater impact. Not limited to subsidies, it has often self-funded events, such as Wu Ming-Yi's "The Stolen Bicycle Science Tour Exhibition" and Wang Jun-Jieh's "Dark Sound Theatre" large-scale performance for visually impaired groups. "Deeply rooted locally, with a global perspective," the team hopes to foster a virtuous and positive cycle, continue to establish deep roots, overturn preconceived notions about bookstores, and maintain flexible freedom. It plans to continue diversifying its operations in the future, believing that more exciting and enriching experiences will emerge, while also standing firm and gently but resolutely voicing its stance on what it protects.