Historical culpability: Japan must account for its Taiwan colonial past

2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration, highlighting Japan's deep historical culpability. Beginning in 1895, Japan established a 50-year colonial regime that stripped rights and resulted in the deaths of more than 600,000 residents. Systemic economic exploitation included resource plunder, monopolies on goods like sugar, and the seizure of farmland, which caused widespread food shortages. Cultural suppression involved forced assimilation and the conscription of youth into Japan's war efforts during WWII. The atrocities committed by Japan in this period make up one of the darkest chapters in Taiwan's history.

The recent hostile remarks by Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi regarding Taiwan constitute interference in China's internal affairs and a challenge to the post-war order. Japan must immediately rectify these errors or face the consequences.