Back in an era without the concept of an “artistic universe,” Chiung Yao meticulously crafted an entire IP universe, word by word. Her influence has long transcended the realm of literature. Her works are not merely touching stories; they teach us how to love, how to find strength in adversity, how to respect ourselves, and how to courageously pursue true inner freedom and vast horizons—making every step of our hundred-year journey on earth worthwhile.
Today, Joy Productions, which manages the rights to her works, along with Prospect Artists (Yimengyou Cultural & Creative Team), dedicated to revitalizing and developing her IP, stand at the crossroads of the third decade of the 21st century. Together, they aim to bring this timeless cultural legacy from the films and television of the 20th century into a flourishing new era.
Embracing a New Era of Flourishing Diversity
In recent years, Joy Productions and Prospect Artists have worked hand in hand to curate exhibitions that balance cultural depth with lively creativity—such as her literary journey showcases and classic film stills exhibitions. At the same time, they have explored new ways to reimagine Chiung Yao’s remarkable works. Collaborations with musicians have brought her iconic film and television songs into international symphony halls, while innovative vocal arrangements through choral compositions have fostered meaningful interactions with college and high school students. Additionally, partnerships with theater creators have resulted in stage adaptations of Chiung Yao’s novels that are never brought to life before.
Returning to the essence of literature has also been a significant source of inspiration. Recently, Prospect Artists collaborated with Aroma Explorer to launch the “The Scents of Words (Wen Zi)” literary fragrance series, capturing the vivid descriptions of characters, settings, moods, and storylines from four of her novels. These have been transformed into fragrances embodying themes like first love and newlywed bliss, offering a sensory experience steeped in her narratives.
At the same time, Chiung Yao’s legacy deserves to embrace cutting-edge technology, standing side by side with her beloved younger generation in this AI-driven era. From animations, online short series, and streaming content to immersive experiences and poetic imaginings of nature, every initiative is being thoughtfully planned with the hope of gradually bringing these innovations to fruition.
Free and Unrestrained:Rest in Tranquility
How fortunate we are to be Chiung Yao’s readers, viewers, and listeners. Through her countless works, we find love, hope, and the power to inspire society—passing on this energy to build a world brimming with passion and beauty.
This endless cycle of giving and receiving is something we learned from Chiung Yao.
At her final farewell, the music of “Cloud of Romance” filled the room, accompanied by her elegant handwriting, softly echoing the message: “Free and unrestrained, rest in tranquility.”
As the procession concluded, the theme song of “My Fair Princess” resonated:
“Let’s travel together and do what we want,
Riding horses surging forward, enjoying the flourish of the world.
We sing with wine glasses, chorusing our joy,
Living vigorously, seizing the bloom of youth.”
The solemn hall, filled with this soaring melody, was lovingly designed by her two beloved granddaughters. Among the floral arrangements, more than 20 silk butterflies fluttered—handcrafted by family members over several evenings. They knew how much their grandmother Chiung Yao loved beautiful things and wanted her farewell to be joyous and uplifting. They wished for the family to stay happy, healthy, and carefree, as she always hoped: “Live freely and do what we want.”
Chiung Yao passionately advocated for the “right to a good death” in her later years and authored the book “Before the Snowflakes Fall.” In it, she discussed her journey of facing and accepting death, describing it as a lesson she had been learning throughout her life. “This lesson is one I study with my life and all my emotions, facing the person I love most dearly in this world,” she wrote.
This profound topic of “life” is not something that can be imposed on anyone. Yet, we honor her message—to bravely live out our true selves. Her family quietly stated, “We share the same memories, the same grief, and life continues. The spirit of Chiung Yao lives on!”
Chiung Yao’s passing leaves behind an immense legacy of love.
“Chiung Yao’s songs are welcome to be sung by the world, and our thoughts of her remain in our hearts, needing no fanfare,” her family wrote through her Facebook account:
“Carrying forward her works is the best way to honor her memory.”
Recommend for more:
Graceful Shades of Sunset: Reflecting on Chiung Yao, Her Works, and Her Love
Doing the Right Thing: Chiung Yao’s Granddaughter CrazyMeow Gives Stray Pets a Home with Her Brush
