Taiwan under Japanese rule

In this episode, we examine Taiwan under Japanese rule from 1895 to 1945, a transformative and deeply contested period that began with Japan’s acquisition of the island after the Treaty of Shimonoseki. We explore how the colonial government sought to remake Taiwan into a “model colony” through major investments in infrastructure, industry, and administration, while also confronting persistent resistance from Han Chinese communities and indigenous peoples, including major uprisings such as the Musha Incident. The episode also looks at the social and cultural impact of Japanese rule, especially the intensification of assimilation policies during World War II through the Japanization movement, which imposed Japanese language use, customs, and even name changes. Finally, we consider how Japanese colonial rule ended in 1945, setting the stage for Taiwan’s transfer to the Republic of China and the complex legacy this era continues to hold in Taiwan’s history.