Japan's 50-year rule of Taiwan: The generation born in the colonial era

Key Concepts:

• Wansi (灣生): Japanese born in Taiwan during Japanese imperial rule (1895-1945).
• Japanese Colonization of Taiwan: Japan's 50-year rule and its impact on Taiwanese society, infrastructure, and identity.
• Repatriation: The forced return of Wansi to Japan after World War II.
• Taiwanese Soldiers in the Japanese Military: The service and sacrifices of Taiwanese individuals who fought for Japan.
• Historical Memory and Identity: The preservation and rediscovery of Taiwanese history erased in the post-war era.

The Legacy of Wansi and Japanese Colonization in Taiwan

1. The Wansi: A Generation Uprooted

• Definition: Wansi refers to approximately 200,000 Japanese individuals born in Taiwan during the period of Japanese rule (1895-1945).
• Life in Taiwan: During the colonial era, as many as one in three Taipei residents were Japanese. Education was conducted in Japanese, and districts were designed to resemble those in Japan. Wansi like Hisashi Nimoto, now 93, lived in Japanese-style homes, such as those in former dormitory areas for Japanese civil servants.
• Forced Repatriation: After Japan's defeat in World War II, Wansi were forced to leave Taiwan, abandoning the lives they had built. They were only allowed to bring a case and a bag of belongings each.
• Impact of the War: Taiwan, strategically important to Japan, suffered significant air strikes during World War II, resulting in nearly 6,000 deaths according to official data. Mr. Nimoto's father had to hand over his sugarcane business to the new government.
• Warm Feelings: Despite the circumstances of their departure, many Wansi retain warm feelings towards Taiwan, where they were born and educated. They remember contributing to the development of Taiwan's railway system, infrastructure, medical system, and sugarcane industry.

2. Taiwanese Soldiers in the Japanese Military

• Service and Sacrifice: Over 200,000 Taiwanese served in the Japanese military during World War II. An estimated 30,000 of them died.
• Masao Go's Story: Masao Go, now 98, was one of these soldiers. Inspired by reports of Japan's military success, he joined a military training school at the age of 16. He was the only Taiwanese there and aimed to become a suicide pilot.
• Post-War Experience: After Japan's surrender, Masao Go was captured and sent to a labor camp in Kazakhstan before being repatriated to Japan in 1947.
• Memorial at Chini Temple: Masao Go proposed the erection of a memorial at Chini Temple in Yokohama for Taiwanese soldiers who died serving in the Japanese military. The chief abbot, like many Japanese, was previously unaware of the role of Taiwanese soldiers. A grand ceremony was held to fulfill Masao Go's wish, with words from his heart engraved on the cenotaph.

3. Transformation of Infrastructure and Buildings

• Taipei as a Ghost Town: After the Japanese were forced to leave, Taipei was described as a "ghost town" because one in three residents were Japanese.
• New Occupants: The new government brought over a million people to Taiwan, who became the new occupants of the vacated homes.
• University Dormitories and Demolition: Many of the former Japanese houses were converted into university dormitories. However, due to aging, many have since been demolished and rebuilt as condos.
• Preservation Efforts: A Taiwanese academic is working to preserve old Japanese houses, referred to as "heritage houses," which feature a unique blend of Japanese and Taiwanese architectural styles.
• Public Buildings: Public buildings constructed by the Japanese, such as the Governor General's office (now the Presidential Office) and the Imperial Hospital (now the National Hospital), still stand and are over a century old.

4. Rediscovering History and Identity

• Erased History: A Taiwanese scholar noted that the colonial period was not taught in schools in Taiwan, and her knowledge came from meeting Wansi searching for their roots.
• Searching for Roots: Wansi often visit Taiwan with old photographs, seeking to find their birthplace and former homes.
• Taiwanese Assistance: Taiwanese individuals are willing to help Wansi in their search, as it allows them to learn about their own history, which was largely erased in the post-war era.
• Mutual Benefit: While Wansi are nostalgic about their birthplace, their search for roots helps the Taiwanese recover their own history and identity.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The story of the Wansi and the Taiwanese soldiers who served in the Japanese military highlights a complex and often overlooked chapter in history. The forced repatriation of the Wansi after World War II had a profound impact on their lives, while the sacrifices of Taiwanese soldiers were largely forgotten. The rediscovery of this history is crucial for both the Wansi and the Taiwanese, as it allows them to understand their past and reclaim their identities. The preservation of historical buildings and the erection of memorials serve as important reminders of this shared history.