History Not Written In Textbooks: How Japan Helped in Modernizing Korea and Taiwan

Throughout history, the relationship between Japan and its neighboring countries, Korea and Taiwan, has been complex and often controversial. While the geopolitical dynamics of this region have given rise to tensions and conflicts, there is a lesser-known aspect of history that sheds a positive light on Japan's role in modernizing both Korea and Taiwan.

The Influence of Japan in Modernizing Korea

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan played a significant role in transforming Korea from an agrarian society into a modern nation. Under Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945, Korea experienced rapid industrialization, infrastructure development, and educational improvement. Japan established modern transportation networks, built factories, and introduced modern farming techniques that boosted agricultural productivity.

Series: History not Written in Textbooks (3) Japan's help in Modernizing Korea and Taiwan and the Later Status of the Two Countries

by Koji Aiba(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Japan's influence spanned across various sectors, including education. Japanese-style schools were established in Korea, providing access to modern education for the local population. The Japanese education system at the time promoted science, technology, and modern governance, equipping Korean students with the necessary skills to contribute to their country's development.

Japan's Contributions to Taiwan's Transformation

In a similar fashion, Taiwan also benefited from Japan's involvement in modernization efforts. From 1895 until 1945, Taiwan was under Japanese rule. During this period, Japan invested heavily in Taiwan's infrastructure, industry, and education system.

Japan built railways, roads, and ports that facilitated the movement of goods and people within Taiwan, enhancing trade and economic growth. The Japanese also introduced various industries, such as textile manufacturing and mining, which significantly contributed to Taiwan's economic development.

The establishment of modern schools and universities under Japanese rule allowed the Taiwanese population to gain access to education. This led to the development of a highly skilled workforce, which later played a crucial role in Taiwan's remarkable economic success.

Japan's Impact on Modernization and Cultural Exchange

More than just infrastructure and industrial development, Japan's influence on Korea and Taiwan expanded to cultural aspects as well. The Japanese introduced modern art, literature, and music to these regions, enriching their cultural landscapes. Many Korean and Taiwanese artists, writers, and musicians were inspired by Japanese styles and techniques, contributing to a blossoming cultural scene.

Furthermore, Japan's modernization efforts also led to the exchange of ideas and knowledge between Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Scholars and intellectuals from Korea and Taiwan traveled to Japan to further their studies, bringing back new knowledge and ideas that helped shape their own societies. This intellectual exchange played a crucial role in the development of Korea and Taiwan as intellectual powerhouses in East Asia.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite the positive impacts of Japan's involvement in Korea and Taiwan, it is important to acknowledge the challenges and controversies that accompanied this history. The forced assimilation policies, exploitation of resources, and suppression of local culture and language were undeniable negative aspects of Japanese rule.

It is necessary to have a balanced understanding of history, recognizing both the positive contributions and the negative consequences of Japan's involvement. This allows us to appreciate the complex relationship between Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, and serves as a reminder for future generations to promote peace, understanding, and cooperation.

The history of Japan's assistance in modernizing Korea and Taiwan is a fascinating chapter often overlooked in textbooks. The impact of Japanese influence in transforming these countries through infrastructure development, industrialization, and educational advancements cannot be underestimated. This historical perspective offers new insights into the complex relationship between these nations and fosters a greater understanding of the intertwined destinies of Japan, Korea, and Taiwan in the modern era.

Series: History not Written in Textbooks (3) Japan's help in Modernizing Korea and Taiwan and the Later Status of the Two Countries

by Koji Aiba(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5151 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	178 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Series: History not Written in Textbooks (3) Japan’s Help in Modernizing Korea and Taiwan and the Later Status of the Two Countries This book is now under campaign. The time and dates under Tokyo time are: Starting at 17:00 of Saturdays, 5/28 (irregular) 6/11, 7/2, 7/23, 8/13 until next Sunday at 16:00. This book is the third and last of this series regarding East Asian history. Here, the author tries to explain why Korea and Taiwan that seem to have a similar history of being “colonized by Japan”, but one is totally anti-Japan and the other is very pro-Japan. After WWII, Korea has rewritten its own history as it wished, so considers that Japan is 100% wrong regarding annexation of Korea, and WWII. Korea maintains that Chosun Dynasty before annexation was a splendid country, but collapsed due to Japan’s invasion, and missed the chance to modernize by itself. This seems totally impossible. Chosun dynasty was led by the Yangban class and was totally corrupt, so the society was tired out. Towards the end of 19th century, Korean economy was in stagnation, so it had no chance to leave the Chinese influence to join the modern world. After the Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War, Korea was annexed into Japan. Japan considered that if Korea was occupied by Russia, Japan would be in serious danger. Korea under Japan’s reign received huge amounts of investments to start modern systems, so its economy started to grow rapidly. Unfortunately, after Japan lost in WWII and left Korea, the north and south became separate countries. North Korea has consistently been a dictatorship socialist country until today. South Korean economy suffered after the end of WWII because most of Korean heavy industries, was on the mountainous northern regions, using its hydroelectric power generation. In 1961, Park Chun-hee started a coup d’état and started to develop the “economy under dictatorship.” Park used economic aids from Japan to make this accelerate. However, when freedom of speech and free voting started, influence from North Korea became very strong, and it also resulted in anti-Japan policies and anti-Japan education. Japan started to be profoundly disappointed by the Korean’s anti-Japan behaviors. China did not clearly notice Taiwan’s existence until 1000 AD. In the plains and in the mountains, many different tribes existed. It was not a “country.” When the Age of Exploration started, the Netherlands and Spain built fortresses on Taiwan island. Soon in China, the Ming dynasty’s remaining forces lost to Qing dynasty and fled to Taiwan. Qing eventually drove them out of Taiwan, but Taiwan was not considered to be very important. After the Sino-Japanese War, Qing transferred Taiwan to Japan and was annexed. Japan invested a lot to modernize Taiwan and its economy grew rapidly. People became modern citizens and started to ask for political rights. However soon Japan lost the war. After WWII, Taiwan was transferred to Nationalist Party in China. It became the Taiwan Province of the People’s Republic of China. The people in Taiwan hated the corrupt rule by the Nationalist Party and protested to protect their rights. However, in 1947 the Nationalist Party used military power to attack the people. After this Feb. 28 Incident, Nationalist Party lost the Civil War in China and fled to Taiwan. The people from the continent took control of the original Taiwanese people for many years under a martial law that lasted 40 years. The economic growth under dictatorship was successful, but Taiwan’s democracy had to wait until 1996 to start. Now, Taiwan has an election system that functions well and two parties has alternated gaining the power. Today, the biggest headache for Taiwan is the pressure from China claiming that “China is One,” claiming Taiwan needs to join People’ Republic of China, which most of the Taiwanese are not willing to see.