Taiwanese Documentary 'The Mountain Mover' Screened in Japanese Parliament; Hsiao Chu-chen: Let the World See Taiwan

Keiji Furuya, Chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, and Tsai Ming-yao, Deputy Representative of the Taiwan Representative Office in Japan, both attended and delivered speeches, with over 50 Japanese parliamentarians and representatives participating. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators Ho Hsin-chun and Kuo Kuo-wen attended the first dialogue of the Taiwan-Japan Semiconductor Parliamentarian Alliance in the morning and came to support in the afternoon.

Keiji Furuya began his speech by jokingly mentioning that he was sanctioned by China and recalled introducing the Taiwanese film 'Zero Day Attack' last year, stating that Taiwan's ability to produce such works on the theme of 'Taiwan contingency' is quite courageous. He also shared his experience of observing elections in Taiwan, noting that Taiwanese society has developed the ability to judge and defend against cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns from China.

Regarding the film screened, he stated that its content focuses on the development of Taiwan's semiconductor industry, represented by TSMC, showcasing how Taiwan established its critical global position amidst difficulties. He believes this is not only an industrial achievement but also a demonstration of Taiwan's national strength, hoping that this screening will allow more Japanese audiences to understand Taiwan's efforts and capabilities, and believing that the film also has the opportunity to gain widespread attention in Japan in the future.

Tsai Ming-yao read a speech on behalf of Representative Frank Hsieh, stating that since its establishment 39 years ago, TSMC has traversed a challenging development path. Through long-term government policy support, forward-looking corporate strategies, and the efforts and dedication of technical personnel, it has ultimately established a globally leading position. From smartphones, automobiles, artificial intelligence to cloud and defense technology, global industries are highly dependent on TSMC chips. Safeguarding the semiconductor industry and Taiwan's security has become a common interest of democratic nations.

The speech mentioned that the democratic camp, centered around the United States, highly values peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan will also continue to be an important partner in the democratic supply chain, deepening cooperation with Japan, while ensuring national security and technological advantages. The film screened precisely presents the development history and spirit of TSMC, hoping to help all sectors in Japan better understand the importance of Taiwan's semiconductor industry and TSMC.

Hsiao Chu-chen stated in an interview that this was her first time entering the Japanese Parliament, and she felt both happy and excited. It not only allowed more international friends to learn about Taiwan's technological struggles but also represented a significant breakthrough in culture and diplomacy.

Hsiao Chu-chen stated that for Taiwanese people, the term 'sacred mountain protecting the nation' has transformed from symbolizing the Central Mountain Range to representing Taiwan's semiconductor industry, especially the industrial strength centered on TSMC. Many people expressed eagerness to understand Taiwan, "wanting to know how such a small island like Taiwan reached its current position." The completion of this documentary comes at a timely moment to tell the world, through the power of culture, "how Taiwan went from zero to one, and then to number one in the world in technology."

She stated, "This certainly didn't happen by chance," but rather is the result of a half-century-long journey, completed by countless engineers, industry professionals, and policy promoters working in succession. Many countries want to replicate, or even surpass, but she believes that Taiwan's experience of rising from a difficult path with confidence and courage is something other countries cannot replicate.

Regarding the film's reception at home and abroad, Hsiao Chu-chen stated that since its release in June last year until its screening in Taiwan in November, the film gradually gained momentum through word-of-mouth among audiences, sparking widespread discussion in society. After its North American tour in November last year, it has successively received invitations from overseas and has been screened in about 15 countries, with English, French, Japanese, Italian, and Korean versions produced. Many exchanges and invitations are still ongoing, receiving unexpected responses.

She mentioned that many overseas audiences were shocked after watching the film, truly understanding the hardships Taiwan has endured. Many only realized after watching that Taiwan did not reach its current position by chance, but through immense difficulties and efforts, and were moved by Taiwan's courage, with many viewers brought to tears.

Hsiao Chu-chen stated that the screening of the film in the Japanese Parliament is an opportunity to further connect Taiwan with the world, and she is very happy that her work can play a bridging role at this time, allowing more people to understand Taiwan. (Edited by Long Bo-an) 1150409