Sanma Issue 49: We Shine Bright

We Who Shine "Sometimes I still wonder, how did I get here?" artist Gao Yan mused during her interview. This is a question many Taiwanese ask themselves amidst their struggles and successes. Once perceived as underdogs in a land of limited resources, we had to strive exceptionally hard to gain even a sliver of international recognition. Yet, between "effort" and "destiny," there has always been an element of luck—not by chance, but born from the resilience, kindness, inclusivity, and open hearts that define the Taiwanese spirit. These inherent qualities, cultivated over decades, even a lifetime, are polished into diamonds that gleam with an enduring, unique, and colorful radiance. If the Kohaku Uta Gassen is a benchmark of Japanese public perception, Taiwan has evolved from Ouyang Fei-Fei's pioneering performance to the era of Chou Tzu-yu. Over 40 years, we've shifted from pursuing Japanese quality to affirming our self-worth, projecting confidence and pride. During a business trip to Osaka, I serendipitously encountered the independent bands DSPS and Dolphin Police on their Japan tour. Amidst a full house of Japanese fans and international travelers, Taiwanese music transcended language and background, its solid creative energy directly engaging every music lover's heart. Heads swayed, nodded, and eyes closed in appreciation. Attendees weren't there simply because they were "Taiwanese bands," but because they had purchased tickets to listen to "music they loved." After a decade of editing "Sanma," I finally experienced the allure of Taiwanese music firsthand in a Japanese live house. Watching lead singer Tseng Nien-Wen give her all on stage, for a moment, I lost track of where I was. It didn't matter if it was Japan or Taiwan; it was a resonance that transcended time and space, a wave of music finding its echo. In that crowded, dimly lit venue, I captured my feelings: It's a fondness for beautiful things, Not about origin, but the journey of becoming. Touched by each other in this moment. Please disregard the external noise, Please disregard moments that seem like rock bottom, Please disregard your incomplete self, Please disregard your insufficient strength. All talents will naturally blossom in due time, Taking their rightful shape. Like a gemstone, Polished, it will eventually shine on its own. Echoing this issue's theme, the editorial team explores emerging talents poised to make their mark on the international stage. Everyone striving abroad is like a member of an independent band, taking budget flights, carrying their instruments—their weapons—and pushing forward through life's tour, sweat glistening. From cartoonists to film directors, culinary artists to furniture designers, and even ace players in Japanese professional volleyball leagues, they embody the Taiwanese spirit of striving overseas and represent how we stand in the world. In the moments before dawn, we, who are "in-between," "tender," and still "free," anticipate a time when we won't need to try so hard to "speak as Taiwanese," because when we "become ourselves," that will be the era when the world truly recognizes Taiwan's brilliance.