Adaptation of U.S. National Book Award-Winning Novel Explores Colonial-Era Relationship at Creative Content Fest
A new adaptation of the U.S. National Book Award-winning novel is in development by World Softest Productions, which has been selected for the Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF). The series, "Taiwan Travelogue," follows Japanese writer Aoyama Chizuko as she travels to 1938 Taiwan to give lectures while escaping marriage pressures back home. There, she meets Ō Chizuru, a talented local interpreter who becomes her essential guide to understanding Taiwan – and a relationship that exposes the painful realities of colonial power dynamics.
The story revolves around the complex and often fraught relationship between two women, with Chizuko being an outspoken and strong-willed individual guided by justice, while Chizuru suppresses her emotions and hides her true feelings deep within. As they grow closer through shared experiences with food and culture, the gulf between them created by language, power, and identity becomes increasingly unbridgeable.
The narrative takes a poignant turn when Chuzuko attempts to protect Chizuru through what she considers a "well-meaning Japanese perspective," inadvertently wounding her dignity. The interpreter eventually confronts the writer, telling her that Chuzuko wants to protect an idealized version of her, not the real Ō Chizuru.
"We want to portray that kind of love – a love that even the word 'love' cannot cross," says executive producer Chen Yu Chang. The production brings together a talented team of Japan-Taiwan collaborators, including Japanese producer Maehata Sachiko and screenwriter Yoshida Erika, who have worked on acclaimed projects such as "Bocchi the Rock!" and "The Tiger and Her Wings."
According to Chang, the story's themes resonate beyond its historical setting. "Set in 1938, a time shadowed by the quiet approach of war, the story reflects an age of uncertainty," he says. "Yet, even 90 years later, humanity still lives with the same anxiety and unease – wars continue, and differences of culture, identity, and gender still shape hierarchies of power and tension between people."
The series is scheduled to begin filming in 2026 across locations in both Japan and Taiwan, with a planned Q4 2027 release. World Softest Productions is seeking sales partners and distribution platforms for the project, which aims to render history tangible and emotionally resonant for a broader audience.
A new adaptation of the U.S. National Book Award-winning novel is in development by World Softest Productions, which has been selected for the Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF). The series, "Taiwan Travelogue," follows Japanese writer Aoyama Chizuko as she travels to 1938 Taiwan to give lectures while escaping marriage pressures back home. There, she meets Ō Chizuru, a talented local interpreter who becomes her essential guide to understanding Taiwan – and a relationship that exposes the painful realities of colonial power dynamics.
The story revolves around the complex and often fraught relationship between two women, with Chizuko being an outspoken and strong-willed individual guided by justice, while Chizuru suppresses her emotions and hides her true feelings deep within. As they grow closer through shared experiences with food and culture, the gulf between them created by language, power, and identity becomes increasingly unbridgeable.
The narrative takes a poignant turn when Chuzuko attempts to protect Chizuru through what she considers a "well-meaning Japanese perspective," inadvertently wounding her dignity. The interpreter eventually confronts the writer, telling her that Chuzuko wants to protect an idealized version of her, not the real Ō Chizuru.
"We want to portray that kind of love – a love that even the word 'love' cannot cross," says executive producer Chen Yu Chang. The production brings together a talented team of Japan-Taiwan collaborators, including Japanese producer Maehata Sachiko and screenwriter Yoshida Erika, who have worked on acclaimed projects such as "Bocchi the Rock!" and "The Tiger and Her Wings."
According to Chang, the story's themes resonate beyond its historical setting. "Set in 1938, a time shadowed by the quiet approach of war, the story reflects an age of uncertainty," he says. "Yet, even 90 years later, humanity still lives with the same anxiety and unease – wars continue, and differences of culture, identity, and gender still shape hierarchies of power and tension between people."
The series is scheduled to begin filming in 2026 across locations in both Japan and Taiwan, with a planned Q4 2027 release. World Softest Productions is seeking sales partners and distribution platforms for the project, which aims to render history tangible and emotionally resonant for a broader audience.
? But seriously, it sounds like they're tackling some heavy stuff – power dynamics, identity, and all that jazz. It's gonna be like watching two strong-willed women navigate each other's feelings while trying to make sense of their own emotions... sounds like a real tea-fueled rollercoaster ride 
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? The fact that they're comparing it to war-torn 1938 is pretty mind-blowing, though... does anyone else remember what their parents were doing back then? Asking for a friend 
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its so cool that theyre bringing this powerful story to life! the themes of colonial power dynamics and love across cultural boundaries are still so relevant today 
chizuko and chizuru's relationship is like, the ultimate example of how hard it can be to bridge gaps between people with different identities and experiences 
i hope the production team does justice to this beautiful story 
. the storyline sounds like its exploring some pretty heavy themes like colonial power dynamics, identity, and love... all those things can get messy 
. but im excited to see how they bring it to life on screen, especially with a talented team from japan and taiwan collaborating 
I'm hyped for the 2027 release! 
. The way the story explores the complexities of colonial power dynamics and the struggles of identity, culture, and love is just fascinating 
. It's gonna be interesting to see how they portray the relationship between Chizuko and Ō Chizuru - it sounds like there's gonna be some really poignant moments 
. And I'm all for more stories that bring history to life in a way that resonates with audiences everywhere 
. The fact that it's based on a National Book Award-winning novel is a huge plus - I know it's gonna be a wild ride.
, it's like they're tapping into this universal human experience that transcends language and borders. And can we talk about the themes of power dynamics and cultural identity for a second? 
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. It's so interesting how they're exploring the complexities of colonial power dynamics and the pain that can come with trying to bridge cultural divides 
. I'm excited to see how they're going to bring this story to life, especially with a talented team of collaborators from both Japan and Taiwan working together 
. It's like, we need more stories like this, you know? ones that make us uncomfortable but ultimately, leave us feeling seen and understood 
... It's not about being right or wrong, it's about understanding each other's perspectives & acknowledging the hurt we can cause with our best intentions 
! The premise of two women from different worlds colliding is sooo intriguing 
. I'm low-key excited that it's being made by a team of Japan-Taiwan collaborators 
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love how Chen Yu Chang talks about wanting to portray "a love that even the word 'love' cannot cross" - it sounds like a really beautiful and emotional journey 
. And can we talk about the chemistry between the two leads? I'm already shipping them from afar 
! World Softest Productions is doing a great job bringing together talented collaborators to bring this story to life 
. Fingers crossed for 2027 release - I'll be counting down until then 
And I love how they're exploring the complexities of colonial power dynamics - it's not often we see stories that delve into that kind of issue. Plus, the fact that it's based on a National Book Award-winning novel is like, a major win for literature. Can't wait to get a hold of this and binge-watch it when it comes out! 
. i'm hyped to see how they portray that love story n how it relates to our world today 
. i think it's gonna be a real tearjerker but in the good way tho 