How did Japanese occupation affect Korean and Taiwanese societies?

The Japanese occupation significantly impacted Korean and Taiwanese societies, causing cultural suppression, economic exploitation, and social stratification.

In both Korea and Taiwan, the Japanese occupation led to a significant suppression of local culture and traditions. The Japanese government implemented policies aimed at assimilating the local population into Japanese culture. In Korea, this included the forced adoption of Japanese names, the banning of the Korean language in schools and public places, and the promotion of Shintoism, the state religion of Japan. Similarly, in Taiwan, the Japanese sought to replace traditional Chinese education with Japanese-style education and promote the Japanese language. These policies led to a loss of cultural identity and heritage, which both societies are still grappling with today.

Economically, the Japanese occupation had profound effects on both societies. In Korea, the Japanese implemented a policy of economic exploitation, extracting resources and labour for the benefit of Japan. This led to widespread poverty and economic hardship for the Korean people. In Taiwan, while the Japanese did invest in infrastructure and industry, this was primarily for the benefit of Japan, and the local population saw little of the profits. The economic policies of the Japanese occupation led to significant economic inequality and hardship in both societies.

The Japanese occupation also led to significant social stratification in both societies. In Korea, the Japanese implemented a policy of divide and rule, favouring certain segments of the population over others. This led to significant social tension and conflict, which still affects Korean society today. In Taiwan, the Japanese sought to create a loyal, Japanese-speaking elite to help administer the colony. This led to a significant divide between this elite and the rest of the population, which has had lasting effects on Taiwanese society.

In conclusion, the Japanese occupation had profound and lasting effects on Korean and Taiwanese societies. The policies of cultural suppression, economic exploitation, and social stratification implemented by the Japanese have had lasting impacts on both societies, many of which are still felt today.