The Japanese occupation of Taiwan: An analysis of the Japanese policies 'doka' and 'kominka' in colonial Taiwan

During its period of rule of Taiwan from 1895-1945, Japan engaged in policies aimed at "civilizing" the native Taiwanese peoples, by way of indoctrination into Japanese culture utilizing the policies known as "doka " (assimilation) and "kominka" (imperialization). In a historical study, this paper analyzes the stated intentions of the Japanese colonial government of these policies and their effects upon colonial Taiwanese society. The policy of doka created an ambiguous space in which it was thought possible for a Taiwanese to "become" Japanese, while at the same time leaving native Taiwanese and Chinese culture in place. The move to kominka aimed at smashing this ambiguity, demanding full adherence to the Japanese way of life. This paper identifies and describes the lasting consequences of these policies and their relationship to a crisis of identity in Taiwan. While the negative effects of the kominka policy are well established, this paper supports the idea that doka is credited for introducing modernity into Taiwan.