Government
The Japanese treated the Taiwanese people harshly in order to maintain discipline and order. The Taiwanese were discriminated against in civil and military services. They were given a Parliament so that they could have a say, but it was not very influential. The Japanese government often made its own decisions ("Country Profile: Taiwan").
Economy & Industrial Revolution
Despite the tyrannical rule, Japan made huge contributions to Taiwan’s economy. Japan built factories, hospitals, and improved infrastructure, such as roads, power plants, and sewage systems. They also helped in agricultural development by introducing capitalism and giving companies and farmers the opportunity to compete against each other for the market. Production of staple and other crops increased to more than ten times the amount within fifteen years. The economy continued to grow, and the mortality rate significantly decreased (Guo, “Japan’s Era in Taiwan: Effects of Assimilation”).
However, these actions were mainly done for Japan’s advantage. In order to obtain Taiwan’s resources easily, they made transportation more efficient. Their aid in the country’s industries led to an imbalance in trade because Taiwan’s products were exported to Japan. However, it was not so one-sided to the extent that it greatly harmed Taiwan. Another goal was to completely assimilate Taiwan, so Japan’s government thus put much effort into Taiwan’s development (“Taiwanese History”).
In the 1920s, an industrial revolution took place in Taiwan causing a massive boom in the economy. The average lifestyle became better. Japan strove to modernize Taiwan. Highly-skilled Japanese citizens were sent to Taiwan to overlook the revolution. With Japan’s aid, more jobs were created and living conditions generally improved. The Taiwanese were given training to accommodate the new industry. Even though Japan used Taiwan and its resources to its own advantage, Taiwan benefited and became industrialized with a higher standard of living (Guo, “Japan’s Era in Taiwan: Effects of Assimilation”).
However, these actions were mainly done for Japan’s advantage. In order to obtain Taiwan’s resources easily, they made transportation more efficient. Their aid in the country’s industries led to an imbalance in trade because Taiwan’s products were exported to Japan. However, it was not so one-sided to the extent that it greatly harmed Taiwan. Another goal was to completely assimilate Taiwan, so Japan’s government thus put much effort into Taiwan’s development (“Taiwanese History”).
In the 1920s, an industrial revolution took place in Taiwan causing a massive boom in the economy. The average lifestyle became better. Japan strove to modernize Taiwan. Highly-skilled Japanese citizens were sent to Taiwan to overlook the revolution. With Japan’s aid, more jobs were created and living conditions generally improved. The Taiwanese were given training to accommodate the new industry. Even though Japan used Taiwan and its resources to its own advantage, Taiwan benefited and became industrialized with a higher standard of living (Guo, “Japan’s Era in Taiwan: Effects of Assimilation”).
Education
Japan’s main goals in the education system were to raise school attendance and literacy levels. As part of the assimilation process, learning Japanese in school became mandatory, allowing future communication to become more convenient (“Taiwanese History”). Classes were taught in the national Japanese language kokugo and students were punished if they were caught speaking Taiwanese. Standards were also created so that most schools taught the same courses. Schools for higher education were established, but few students qualified. Some students went to Japan to obtain a higher education ("Confronting Colonialism: Taiwan Literature under Japanese Colonial Rule"). Those who assimilated with Japan practiced traditional Japanese customs ("Taiwan Under Japanese Colonial Rule, 1895-1945: History, Culture, Memory”). By 1944, around three-fourths of children went to elementary school. More people were given the opportunity to learn, even through Japanese standards (Guo, “Japan’s Era in Taiwan: Effects of Assimilation”).
Taiwan's View of Japan
Most people in Taiwan were pro-Japanese. Those that assimilated to Japanese customs were considered more superior than those who persistently held on to their traditional culture. They were given higher job positions.
To the left is a picture of a group of young boys who have assimilated with Japan. As you can see, all the boys are in white suits which shows that they are well-dressed and considered part of the elite when they assimilate with the Japanese.
To the left is a picture of a group of young boys who have assimilated with Japan. As you can see, all the boys are in white suits which shows that they are well-dressed and considered part of the elite when they assimilate with the Japanese.
Many were glad that Japan helped industrialize Taiwan and improve life on the island ("Taiwan Under Japanese Colonial Rule, 1895-1945: History, Culture, Memory”). In addition, Japan treated Taiwan better than China had treated them, during their occupation of Taiwan years earlier. Japan’s method of using a dictatorship over Taiwan was mainly due to their standards and customs instead of racism (Guo, “Japan’s Era in Taiwan: Effects of Assimilation”).
Few citizens dissented with Japanese control. They didn’t like being treated as inferiors and didn’t want the Japanese to be involved in the country’s affairs ("Memories of China and Taiwan during World War II"). The Taiwanese were generally considered second-class- they were the second choice for jobs and other opportunities. Another factor in their distaste was Japan’s exploitation of their resources and prevention of the economy to reach its full growth. There were revolts, but all were subdued by the Japanese. Many Taiwanese praised Japan’s response (Guo, “Japan’s Era in Taiwan: Effects of Assimilation”).
Few citizens dissented with Japanese control. They didn’t like being treated as inferiors and didn’t want the Japanese to be involved in the country’s affairs ("Memories of China and Taiwan during World War II"). The Taiwanese were generally considered second-class- they were the second choice for jobs and other opportunities. Another factor in their distaste was Japan’s exploitation of their resources and prevention of the economy to reach its full growth. There were revolts, but all were subdued by the Japanese. Many Taiwanese praised Japan’s response (Guo, “Japan’s Era in Taiwan: Effects of Assimilation”).