aeeble

When Japan initiated its war policies during the Second World War, it promoted militarism by emphasizing the Bushido spirit as fundamental to Japanese national identity and simultaneously constructed dojos across the country where Japanese police and youth could practice judo and kendo. The Qishan Wu De Hall, built in 1934, is situated beneath Drum Hill Park and features traditional Japanese temple-style architecture. Since many Japanese temple halls imitated Tang dynasty Chinese architecture, the Wu De Hall itself displays a strong Tang dynasty aesthetic. In 1994, the hall was destroyed by a fire; following reconstruction, a transparent glass curtain wall roof was added but failed to harmonize with the existing Japanese style. By late 2014, it underwent another restoration to revive its original historical appearance. Now under the management of the Qishan Jin Cheng Art Association, the building has been designated as an exhibition space, a cultural and creative market, venue for special lectures, and talent training workshops.