Recently, the epic film 'Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale' hit the screens in the Chinese mainland, reigniting discussions about the bloody era of Japanese rule in Taiwan. 🍿
In 1930, indigenous residents of Taiwan rose up against Japanese invaders in what became known as the Musha Uprising. 🗡️ Around 134 fighters fell in battle, and tragic events like the Yunlin Massacre left deep scars on the island.
Beyond these confrontations, Japanese authorities enforced a policy of "Taiwan for Agriculture, Japan for Industry." Fertile lands were converted to sugarcane to feed the Japanese market, while most rice harvests were shipped overseas. This economic plunder led to widespread famine, with heartbreaking scenes of starvation becoming alarmingly common. 🌾
Japan also extracted local resources, from gold in Jinguashih to other minerals, fueling its industrial ambitions at the expense of Taiwan people.
To erase ethnic identity, Japan imposed "Japanization," forcing residents of Taiwan to adopt Japanese surnames, display portraits of the emperor, and abandon their cultural roots—a stark campaign of cultural genocide.
According to Jiang Liping, vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League, over 650,000 residents of Taiwan lost their lives due to massacres, resource exploitation, forced labor, and other atrocities during the occupation. ⚰️
During World War II, Japan conscripted Taiwan residents into paramilitary units like the Takasago Volunteers, sending them as cannon fodder to distant fronts. After the war, some of these victims were enshrined at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine under the guise of "loyalty to the Japanese Empire." 🏮
This chapter of history highlights the resilience of Taiwan people and the power of remembrance. As 'Warriors of the Rainbow' shines a light on this painful past, new generations are called to learn, reflect, and honor those who fought for their land. ✊
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
