Introduction
Currently serving as the Tainan Branch of the Land Bank of Taiwan, this building was originally the Tainan Branch of the Nippon Kangyo Bank during the Japanese colonial period. Established in 1928, the branch was initially located in front of the Tainan Railway Station. In 1937, a new building was constructed at the intersection of present-day Zhongzheng Road and Zhongyi Road, designed by the bank's in-house architectural department. After World War II, it was repurposed as the Land Bank of Taiwan and continues to function as a bank today.
The architecture features a non-traditional Western classical style, with a façade lined by tall columns reminiscent of an ancient Egyptian temple. These columns resemble the Greek Doric order with twenty sharp vertical grooves and no distinct base. The overall appearance is solid and stately, with decorative elements that blend Indian, American, and Japanese styles. The uniquely designed entrance is discreetly set behind the colonnade, giving the building a strong exotic character. This style was referred to by the Japanese as "Japanese taste with a modern twist." The architectural style of the Tainan Branch is similar to that of the Taipei Branch (now Land Bank of Taiwan Headquarters). The name "Kangyo" in Japanese refers to the encouragement of industry and commerce. Initially, Japan established Kangyo Banks at the local level based on the Agricultural and Industrial Bank Act. Later, the Japanese Diet passed a law merging Kangyo Banks with Agricultural and Industrial Banks, leading to the integration of the two into regional branches. The first Kangyo Bank in Taiwan was established in Taipei, followed by Tainan as the second branch.
