Founded in 1928, Taihoku Imperial University laid the foundation for Taiwan’s book culture. With abundant funding, library director Tanaka Chozaburo acquired numerous rare collections. In 1930, faculty members who shared a passion for books formed Shomotsu no Kai (The Book Club), launching various exhibitions and promotional events in the Main Library's Grand Reading Room.
Following the successful Goethe Centenary Exhibition in 1932, the movement expanded.
✦ Prof. Tanaka Chozaburo in his laboratory, 1934.
✦ Card Catalog Room and Exhibition Cases, Old Main Library (now History Hall), 1960.
✦ Goethes Werke: Auswahl in sechzehn Bänden (Leipzig: M. Hesse, 1895). Vol. 1 with Goethe's portrait and signature.
In April 1933, the Taiwan Aishokai (Taiwan Book Lovers Association) was officially established, with the president of Taihoku Imperial University Shidehara Taira as its first president. The library published the journal Aisho (Book Lovers). From 1934, Nishikawa Mitsuru took over the journal's design, introducing unique Taiwanese folk art elements into the layouts and creating a distinct visual aesthetic.
The association organized various exhibitions showcasing bibliography, bookplates, and book seals. Notable events included the Mori Ōgai Commemorative Bibliography Exhibition (which credited the book design artists) and the publishing of Ogai Shoshi, as well as the milestone First Exhibition on the Art of Book Design in 1936. These events shifted public attention toward book design as a form of fine art, fostering the early development of the culture of “beautiful books” in Taiwan.
✦ Taiwan Nichi Nichi Shimpo (1933.04.16, p. 4), "Establishing a Bibliophile Society for Eastern and Western Bibliography"
✦ Cover title and spine inscription "Sendo Sanbo Zoshi” on Ogai Shoshi, featuring Mori Ōgai's own handwriting and studio name.
✦ Taiwan Nichi Nichi Shimpo (1936.01.17, p. 5), "Book Design Exhibition"
✦ "Mr. Hojin Yano in His Study," Aisho, Vol. 2 (August 1934).