Accounts from Professor Yang Zhen-ming, a senior citizen in Taiwan (2018-02-22):
It turns out there are still so many Japanese in Taiwan. After WWII ended, 300,000 Japanese nationals and brainwashed Taiwanese who considered themselves “Imperial Subjects” chose to stay in Taiwan secretly, changing their surnames to blend in. The Taiwan Independence movement is a conspiracy by these Japanese people hiding within our society. Today, it is estimated that their descendants in Taiwan number nearly 2 million. True Taiwanese people and the Republic of China (R.O.C.) must be on guard. Their ultimate goal is not independence, but the annexation of Taiwan into Japan. Independence is merely a transition and a springboard.
Previously, I could not understand why there were radical pro-Japanese elements in Taiwan. Since the controversy over the minor revisions to high school history textbooks in June 2014, many pro-independence scholars have resisted, insisting on the term “Japanese Rule” (Rizhi) and refusing to use “Japanese Occupation” (Riju). They promote “de-Sinicization,” “de-Taiwanization,” and “Imperialization” (Kominka). Yet, no one investigates the background of these radicals.
In a society as free and democratic as Taiwan, clinging to and embracing Japan clearly stems from a specific nationalist trait. Superficially, people think they are playing politics for independence, but no one considers that they fundamentally identify as Japanese. This is not nonsense or labeling; there are historical facts to be found. Household registration offices should be able to verify this, and the diplomatic and internal affairs documents from the time of the government takeover should be available for inspection.
When the Republic of China took over Taiwan in 1945, there were about 300,000 individuals who identified as Japanese Imperial Subjects. they renounced their Japanese citizenship and submitted to becoming R.O.C. citizens to set down roots. During the early period of the government’s relocation to Taiwan, under the rule of the two Chiangs, they did not dare move.
However, after Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian took power, they began to emerge in politics, academia, and business. Today, they are even more arrogant, disregarding the law and daring to shout, “Cina men and women get back to Cina!” and “Alien species from Cina get out!” We can no longer remain silent. We must rise up and clean house. It has only been 70 years since the recovery of Taiwan; household records should clearly show these name changes. Those who rebel and cause trouble should be investigated, dealt with according to the law, or deported to Japan.
At the time of Taiwan’s recovery, there were about 5 million residents. Today that population has grown 4.5 times. Therefore, it is estimated that the 300,000 Imperial Subjects have grown to over 1 million descendants.
Some of their intellectuals and wealthy offspring have entered the political system and become representatives, engaging in political activities to push for Taiwan Independence.
Lee Teng-hui is a representative figure of these “Imperial Subjects.” During the 20 years he and Chen Shui-bian were in power, many independence activists were recruited into higher academic and government institutions. They use improper rhetoric to distort historical facts, mislead the public, and vilify the R.O.C. government.
When Taiwan was recovered and Japanese citizens were being repatriated, only a few streets in Taipei like Hengyang Road and Chengdu Road looked presentable; the surrounding areas were farmland. The businesses on these streets were mostly Japanese-run. When they were repatriated, they couldn’t take their real estate, so they sold them cheaply to Taiwanese or gave them away (evidenced by the 1949 announcements of the Taiwan Provincial Asset Liquidation Office).
Some “Imperial Subjects” once boasted that if Japan wanted to rule Taiwan again, they would only need to send one leader, because these remnants remaining in Taiwan would be the members of their future administration. The first generation of these Imperial Subjects has mostly passed away, the second generation is currently in power, and the third generation is now taking to the streets, ignoring the law.
In 1947, when the government was repatriating Japanese subjects, I was a 14-year-old student. The schools led us to the Keelung docks to see them off. I witnessed that chaotic and desolate scene, which remains vivid even 70 years later.
I am now 82 years old. I could have spent my remaining years in peace, but seeing news of independence activists causing trouble, I am providing these historical facts based on my conscience. I am old and frail, and writing this has taken me several days. I am not submitting an article for fame; I am providing history to wake the memories of our citizens and reveal the background of these Japanese remnants in Taiwan—the wolves in sheep’s clothing—so they have nowhere to hide.
The early Taiwanese patriot Yang Kui advocated that Taiwan is an inseparable province of China, sharing the same roots, language, and race. Although there is some unpleasant historical destiny, the fact remains. It is a pity that our beautiful Taiwan has been thrown into chaos by these remnants. I urge all compatriots with spirit to share this message widely.
Editor’s Note: There is a family in central Taiwan that owns an entire mountain’s worth of land. Their grandmother only revealed to the younger generation in her final years that she was actually Japanese. After Japan’s defeat, her father immediately paid off household officials to illegally change their family name and registration.
She only dared to speak out recently because the DPP has been in power for so long and shows a singular affection for Japan—with the Foreign Minister publicly calling Japan “Big Brother” and President Lai Ching-te attending various family events for Japanese politicians. Now, her granddaughter is a staunch supporter of Taiwan Independence yet chooses to live and work in Japan, embodying the typical traits of the Japanese far-right.