Japanese Mid-Term

Taiwan under Dutch Rule (Takekoshi Yosaburo)

Taiwan's first colonialist leader, focused on strengthening and enriching the home state, creating opportunities for their businesses. Cared more about themselves than the locals but nonetheless helped develop the island agriculturally.

Koxinga/Zheng Chenggong (Takekoshi Yosaburo)

A Ming loyalist and military leader who expelled the Dutch from Taiwan in 1662, establishing a brief regime that sought to promote trade and agriculture while resisting Qing rule.

Taiwan under Qing Rule (Takekoshi Yosaburo)

The period during which Taiwan was governed by the Qing dynasty, marked by significant immigration from mainland China, agricultural development, and increasing integration into the Qing empire.

1874 Taiwan Expedition

A military expedition by Japan to Taiwan aimed at punishing indigenous tribes for their attacks on Japanese fishermen, which marked the beginning of Japan's interest in Taiwan.

First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895)

A conflict between China and Japan over influence in Korea, resulting in Japan's victory and the Treaty of Shimonoseki, which ceded Taiwan to Japan.

Treaty of Shimonoseki

The 1895 agreement that ended the First Sino-Japanese War, in which China ceded Taiwan and the Pescadores Islands to Japan.

Takekoshi Yosaburo

Author of Japanese Rule in Formosa including chapters “brief survey of our successes” and “the savages and their territory”. A prominent Japanese historian and advocate for Taiwan's incorporation into Japan, known for his writings on Taiwan's history and culture.

Government-General of Taiwan

The administrative body established by Japan to govern Taiwan after its annexation in 1895, responsible for implementing policies and overseeing local administration.

Anti-Japanese Resistance by Taiwanese “Bandits”

A movement in Taiwan during Japanese rule characterized by opposition to Japanese authority, often involving guerrilla tactics and local uprisings against colonial policies.

Taiwan’s Indigenous Peoples (Aborigines)

The original inhabitants of Taiwan, with diverse cultures and languages, who have historically faced marginalization and cultural assimilation under colonial rule.

Japanese Policing of Taiwan’s Savage Borderline

The system of law enforcement and military presence established by Japan to control and monitor the interactions between Japanese settlers and indigenous populations along Taiwan's mountainous and remote regions.

Goto Shimpei’s Scientific Colonialism

A policy implemented by Japanese colonial administrator Goto Shimpei that emphasized the use of scientific methods and research to manage and exploit Taiwan's resources and indigenous populations, often under the guise of modernization.

Japanese Modernization of Taiwan (Infrastructure, Public Health)

A series of policies and projects initiated during Japanese rule aimed at transforming Taiwan's infrastructure and public health systems, including the construction of roads, railways, and hospitals, significantly improving living standards and promoting economic growth. These efforts included modernizing agricultural practices and implementing public health measures to combat diseases.

Hatta Yoichi (Written about by Toshio Watanabe)

A prominent Japanese agricultural scientist and engineer who played a key role in modernizing Taiwan's agricultural sector during the Japanese colonial period, focusing on the introduction of new farming techniques and irrigation systems. The Hatta Dam is an irrigation structure named after him, designed to improve agricultural productivity in Taiwan by providing a reliable water supply.

Japanese Colonial Tourism in Taiwan (Written about by Naoko Shimazu)

A practice encouraged by the Japanese government to promote travel and leisure among Japanese citizens in Taiwan, aimed at fostering cultural exchange and economic benefits through tourism development during the colonial era.

1930 Musha (Wushe) Rebellion (Written about by Paul Barclay)

A significant uprising by the Seediq people against Japanese colonial rule in Taiwan, occurring in 1930. The rebellion was sparked by Japanese policies that infringed on indigenous land and culture, leading to violent confrontations and a brutal response from the Japanese military.

Seediq Bale (Written about by Paul Barclay)

A film that depicts the events of the 1930 Musha Rebellion, focusing on the struggles of the Seediq people against Japanese colonial oppression in Taiwan.

Conflicts/Rivalries among Indigenous Tribes

Tensions and struggles between different indigenous groups in Taiwan, often exacerbated by colonial policies and external influences, leading to competition over resources and land.

Kano and Taiwanese Baseball (Written about by Andrew Norris and Ping-hui Liao)

A historical account of the Kano team, which was composed of Taiwanese players and became notable in Japanese baseball during the colonial period, highlighting the cultural impact of baseball in Taiwan.

Taiwan as Imperial Gateway (Seiji Shirane)

Taiwan's strategic location made it a crucial point for Imperial Japan's expansion into Southeast Asia, serving as a base for military and economic activities during the colonial era.

Goverment-General of Taiwan vs. Tokyo Central Government

The administrative authority established by Japan to govern Taiwan during its colonial rule, which operated under the directives of the central government in Tokyo, often leading to tensions over local governance and policies.

1900 Xiamen Incident

A conflict involving Japanese and Chinese forces in Xiamen, reflecting the tensions in Sino-Japanese relations during the early 20th century.

Extraterritorial Rights

Legal privileges granted to foreign nationals, allowing them to live under their own laws and be tried in their own courts, often leading to conflicts with local jurisdictions.

Overseas Taiwanese in South China (Seiji Shirane)

Taiwanese migrants and their descendants living in South China, often facing cultural and economic challenges, while maintaining connections to their homeland.

Overseas Taiwanese in Southeast Asia (Seiji Shirane)

Taiwanese migrants and their descendants living in Southeast Asia, often navigating cultural integration and economic opportunities, while preserving ties to Taiwan.

Wartime Kominka (“Japanization”) Movement in Taiwan

A government initiative during World War II aimed at assimilating Taiwanese people into Japanese culture and society, promoting loyalty to Japan through education, language, and cultural practices.

Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)

A conflict between China and Japan, marked by brutal warfare and significant civilian casualties, which ultimately contributed to China's struggle against Japanese imperialism.

Taiwan’s Institutions and Personnel in Occupied South China

Refers to the administrative structures and individuals established by Taiwanese authorities to manage and govern territories in South China during the period of Japanese occupation, influencing local governance and collaboration.

Taiwanese Military Interpreters (Seiji Shirane)

Individuals trained to facilitate communication between Japanese military forces and local populations during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. They played a crucial role in intelligence gathering and ensuring practical cooperation between the two groups.

Taiwanese-Japanese Tensions among Servicemen (Seiji Shirane)

Refers to the conflicts and issues that arose between Taiwanese interpreters and Japanese servicemen during the Japanese occupation, often stemming from disparities in pay and treatment.

Taiwanese-Chinese Tensions in Occupied China (Seiji Shirane)

Refers to the conflicts and issues that emerged between Taiwanese authorities and Chinese populations during the Japanese occupation, often related to cultural differences and political control.

Taiwanese Nurse Assistants (Seiji Shirane)

Individuals who provided medical care and support to Japanese military personnel and local populations during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, often worked under challenging conditions.

Taiwanese Comfort Women (Seiji Shirane)

Women from Taiwan who were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War II, experiencing severe exploitation and abuse.

Asia-Pacific War (1941-45)

A conflict fought between Japan and Allied forces in the Pacific, resulting in significant battles and widespread destruction during World War II.

Japan’s Wartime Occupation of Southeast Asia

A period during World War II when Japan occupied various Southeast Asian countries, implementing military control and exploiting local resources and populations.

Taiwanese POW Prison Guards and Allied POWs in Southeast Asia

Taiwanese individuals who served as guards for Allied prisoners of war during Japan's occupation of Southeast Asia, often involved in the enforcement of harsh conditions and labor.

Indigenous Taiwanese Volunteers in Southeast Asia

Individuals from Taiwan who volunteered to support Japanese military efforts during World War II, often serving in various roles such as laborers or soldiers.

Taiwanese BC War Criminals

Taiwanese individuals who were implicated in war crimes during Japan's occupation of Southeast Asia, often involved in the mistreatment of prisoners and local populations.

“Shonenko” (2006 Film) and Taiwanese Child Laborers in Japan

A film that explores the experiences of Taiwanese child laborers during Japan's occupation. It highlights the struggles and exploitation faced by these children in various labor camps.

Mukden Incident (1931)

Japanese military detonated dynamite on tracks owned by Japan’s South Manchuria Railway and blamed it on the Chinese. Used it as justification to invade Manchuria and establish the puppet state Manchukuo.

“Shonenko” (2006 Film) and Taiwanese Child Laborers in Japane

A film that depicts the harsh realities and exploitation of Taiwanese children forced into labor during Japan's occupation, showcasing their struggles and resilience.