Japanese Final

Joseph Seeley’s Border of Water and Ice (Yalu River in Korea/Manchuria)

A film that explores themes of conflict and reconciliation through the lens of cultural identity and environmental challenges.

US Occupation of Japan

The period after World War II when the United States administered Japan, helping to rebuild its economy and establish a democratic government. Eventually handing the country to the recognized Chinese government of ROC aka the KMT led by Chiang Kai-shek.

Chiang Kai-Shek

Chinese nationalist leader who governed the Republic of China and played a key role in the Chinese Civil War.

Chinese Civil War

A conflict between the Chinese Nationalists (KMT) and the Communists led by Mao Zedong, resulting in the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Republic of China (ROC)

The government that ruled China from 1912 until 1949, when it retreated to Taiwan following the Chinese Civil War. It was led by the Kuomintang (KMT) under Chiang Kai-shek.

People’s Rebublic of China (PRC)

The current government of China, established in 1949 after the defeat of the Nationalists in the Chinese Civil War. It is governed by the Communist Party of China.

Japanese Postwar Repatriation from Taiwan

The process of returning Japanese citizens from Taiwan after World War II, when Taiwan was ceded to the Republic of China following Japan's defeat. This involved the relocation of thousands of Japanese settlers to Japan.

KMT Mainlanders (“Waishengren”) to Taiwan

Refers to the Chinese citizens who came to Taiwan after 1945, primarily consisting of those who supported the Kuomintang during the Chinese Civil War. They played a significant role in the political and social landscape of Taiwan post-World War II.

Native Taiwanese (“Benshengren”)

Refers to the indigenous Taiwanese people or those whose families have lived in Taiwan for generations prior to the arrival of the KMT Mainlanders in 1945. They contribute significantly to Taiwan's cultural and social identity.

KMT Recolonization of Taiwan

The period during which the Kuomintang established control over Taiwan after World War II, implementing policies that changed the political, economic, and social landscape, often favoring Mainlanders over native Taiwanese.

Mandarin, Taiwanese, Japanese Languages

Refers to the languages spoken in Taiwan, including Mandarin as the official language, Taiwanese Hokkien as a local dialect, and Japanese due to historical influence from Japanese rule.

228 Incident

A significant event in Taiwanese history that occurred on February 28, 1947, when an anti-government uprising was sparked by the police crackdown on local citizens involving a women illegally selling ciggarettes, leading to widespread unrest and a violent response from the KMT government.

City of Sadness (1989)

A film directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien that portrays the events surrounding the 228 Incident and its aftermath, highlighting the struggles of a family in Taiwan during a time of political turmoil.

KMT Martial Law (1947-1987)

A period of authoritarian rule in Taiwan under the Kuomintang (KMT) government, characterized by stringent censorship, suppression of dissent, and political persecution, lasting from the end of the 228 Incident until the lifting of martial law in 1987.

Taiwanese Disillusionment with Post-1945 Chinese Nationalist Rule

A sentiment among the Taiwanese population that emerged due to perceived oppressive governance and unmet expectations following the end of Japanese rule in 1945, leading to widespread dissatisfaction with KMT policies.

George Kerr

An American historian and diplomat known for his advocacy for Taiwanese independence and his critical writings on the Kuomintang government. He is recognized for his book "Formosa Betrayed," which exposes the political oppression in Taiwan.

Formosa Betrayed (1965)

A book by George Kerr that critiques the Kuomintang's rule in Taiwan and highlights the socio-political struggles faced by the Taiwanese people after 1945.

US/Japan Cold War Alliance with the ROC (1945-1972)

A military and political partnership formed between the United States and the Republic of China (ROC) that aimed to counter the spread of communism in Asia during the Cold War, providing support to the ROC in terms of military aid and diplomatic recognition.

Truman Defense of Taiwan during the Korean War

A policy adopted by President Harry Truman in 1950 that involved the commitment of US naval forces to defend Taiwan against potential aggression, emphasizing the strategic importance of Taiwan in the context of the Korean War and the broader Cold War dynamics.

Taiwanese Independence Movement (TIM) in Japan

A political and social movement advocating for the recognition of Taiwan as an independent state, which gained significant support among Taiwanese diaspora communities in Japan, particularly during the 20th century.

Thomas Liao (Liao Wen-yi)

A prominent figure in the Taiwanese Independence Movement who advocated for Taiwan's sovereignty and worked to promote Taiwanese identity and political rights, particularly in Japan.

Su Beng

A prominent Taiwanese independence activist and historian, known for his efforts to promote Taiwan's sovereignty and identity, particularly through his writings and public speeches.

Taiwan’s 400 Year History (1962)

A significant book by Su Beng that outlines Taiwan's colonial past and the struggle for independence, aimed at educating the public on Taiwanese history and identity.

Sadaharu Oh (Wang Zhenzhi)

A legendary Japanese baseball player, known for his remarkable hitting prowess and as a symbol of the sport in Japan, achieving record home runs.

US/Japanese recognizes the PRC as the “Real China” (1970s-Present)

This shift in diplomatic recognition occurred when the United States and Japan formally acknowledged the People's Republic of China as the legitimate government of China, leading to significant geopolitical changes in East Asia.

ROC no recognized by the UN/US Japane (1970s-Present)

The Republic of China (ROC) lost its United Nations membership and was not recognized by the United States and Japan as the legitimate government of China, following the recognition of the People's Republic of China (PRC). This status has influenced Taiwan's international relations and its quest for recognition.

US-Japan-Taiwan Security Alliance (1970s-Present)

A strategic partnership formed between the United States, Japan, and Taiwan aimed at enhancing security cooperation and addressing regional threats, particularly from the PRC.

1980s Democratization and Taiwanization of the ROC

During the 1980s, the Republic of China (ROC) experienced significant political reforms and movements towards democratization and the promotion of Taiwanese identity, leading to increased political participation and changes in governance.

Lee Teng-hui

The first native Taiwanese president of the Republic of China (ROC) who served from 1988 to 2000, Lee Teng-hui was instrumental in Taiwan's democratization and advocating for a distinct Taiwanese identity.

Taiwan Progressive Party (TPP)

A political party in Taiwan founded in 1996 that advocates for social justice, environmental protection, and the promotion of Taiwanese identity and independence.

Japanese Soft Power in Taiwan

The cultural influence and appeal of Japan in Taiwan, particularly through media, fashion, cuisine, and tourism, fostering positive perceptions and relationships between the two countries.

Tourism Between Japan-Taiwan

The exchange of travelers between Japan and Taiwan, which enhances cultural understanding, economic ties, and mutual appreciation of each other's heritage.

PRC as Common Threat for Japan-Taiwan

The perception of the People's Republic of China (PRC) as a destabilizing force in the region, leading to increased security cooperation and strategic alignment between Japan and Taiwan.

Taiwanese Identity and Independence

The sense of national identity among Taiwanese people, emphasizing distinct cultural, political, and historical differences from mainland China, along with aspirations for self-governance and sovereignty.

Taiwanese History Writing on Colonial Period

The practice of documenting and interpreting the history of Taiwan during the periods of Japanese colonization (1895-1945) and its impacts on Taiwanese society and identity.

Taiwanese Colonial Nostalgia

A sentiment among some Taiwanese reflecting a longing for certain aspects of the period of Japanese rule, viewing it as a time of modernization and cultural development compared to previous and subsequent governance.

Postwar Japanese Expatriates of Taiwan

Refers to the Taiwanese individuals or families who moved to Japan after World War II, often experiencing a complex relationship with both Taiwanese and Japanese identities, reflective of historical ties and cultural exchanges.

Wansei Back Home (2015)

A 2015 documentary exploring the experiences of Wansei, Japanese descendants of Taiwanese emigrants, as they return to Taiwan to reconnect with their roots and heritage.