Historical Roots of Pro-Japanese Sentiments in Taiwan: The Impact of Post-War Japanese Residencies and Identity Shifts

This article explores the historical roots of the intense pro-Japanese sentiments held by a minority in contemporary Taiwanese society, noting that this phenomenon is not universal but amplified by specific groups in digital and traditional media. The core argument is based on post-war accounts: some Japanese individuals who profited from exploiting Taiwan's resources during the colonial period allegedly stayed on the island after the retrocession by bribing household registration officials and falsifying records to protect family assets. Their descendants inherited positive memories of Japan, which, coupled with the loss of interests for landlords due to 'Land to the Tiller' reforms, identity crises from the Kominka movement, and early post-war governance failures, fostered deep resentment toward the Republic of China. This sentiment is particularly prominent in central and southern Taiwan. In recent years, under a pro-Japanese political climate, some descendants have openly disclosed their Japanese lineage and identified as 'Spiritual Japanese.' The article emphasizes that this represents the amplified voices of a minority, while most Taiwanese maintain a rational appreciation for Japan.