Issues of regionalism and imperialism and their various confrontations significantly defined the mindset of Ide Kaoru (1879-1944) and some of his contemporary Japanese colonial architects. With his long-term service in the colonial government and having spent most of his adult life spent in Taiwan, Ide cultivated particular compassion towards this island, its cultural traditions and natural environment. This paper examines the origins and evolution of Ide´s nascent regionalist perspective and regional identity. His extensive writings on architecture and building projects featured a transient trajectory shaped by personal aesthetic inspiration practical needs, and imperial motivations within a larger pressing context.