China’s Anti-Japanese Sentiment vs. Taiwan’s Warmth
If you follow East Asian news, you’ve probably noticed a recurring pattern: anti-Japanese sentiment often spikes in China, especially on sensitive historical anniversaries.
Take September 18th, for example—the anniversary of the Mukden Incident. Every year, nationalist feelings rise, and films like 731 or Nanjing Photo Studio resurface on TV.
Sadly, tensions sometimes spill over into real life. On September 18th, 2024, in Shenzhen, a 10-year-old Japanese boy was fatally stabbed while walking to school. Japanese officials condemned the act as “utterly despicable,” while Chinese authorities called it an isolated incident. But the tragedy showed how history can still deeply affect emotions today.
And yet, just across the Taiwan Strait, the story is completely different.
Taiwan—under Japanese rule for 50 years (1895–1945)—is now one of the most famously pro-Japan places in the world.
So… why is that?
Not Just a Colony—A Legacy of Modernization
When Japan took control of Taiwan after the First Sino-Japanese War, it didn’t simply treat it as a distant colony—it invested in it.
- Railways
- Modern ports
- Hospitals
- Irrigation systems
Taiwan got them all. Compulsory education was introduced, literacy rates soared, and infrastructure reshaped daily life.
Of course, colonial rule was not without hardship, but compared to many other colonies at the time, Japan’s modernization efforts left a deep and lasting impression. Many Taiwanese grew up hearing grandparents talk about “the Japanese days”—when trains ran on time and schools opened their doors.
Modern Polls Show the Friendship Is Real
Surveys consistently show Taiwan’s affection for Japan.
Over 75% of Taiwanese say Japan is their favorite country. South Korea comes in at just 4%, the U.S. at 3%, and China also at 3%. 70% believe Taiwan should align most closely with Japan, versus 13% for the U.S. and 11% for China.
Tourism data tells the same story. In 2024, about 1.32 million Japanese nationals visited Taiwan—a 42.2% increase from the previous year. This booming travel exchange reflects genuine mutual interest.
Wusanto Dam: Japan’s Engineering Gift to Taiwan
One of the most beloved projects from the Japanese era is the Wusanto Dam, built under the leadership of engineer Koichi Hatta. Completed in 1930, the dam prevented flooding and brought reliable irrigation to rice fields, transforming agriculture.
Even today, it remains fully operational, and Hatta is remembered with statues, plaques, and even school lessons. His work is proof that infrastructure can outlast politics and nurture goodwill for generations.
The Heroic Pilot Who Saved a Taiwanese Village
Another story of lasting friendship comes from Shigemine Sugiura, born in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, in 1923.
During the 1944 Battle of Taiwan, his fighter plane was shot down by American. He could have bailed out, but instead, he steered his burning aircraft into an empty field to avoid crashing into a village—sacrificing his life at just 21 years old.
After the war, villagers reported dreams of a young man in a white naval uniform. Believing it to be Sugiura’s spirit, they built a shrine for him in 1971, giving him the honorific title “Flying Tiger General.”
Even today, caretakers light three cigarettes for him every morning and evening, as Kimigayo(national anthem of Japan) and Umi Yukaba(anthem of the Imperial Japanese Navy) play in the background. His story lives on as a symbol of courage and gratitude.
From Colonial Rule to Close Friendship
In a region where history often divides, Taiwan and Japan have turned a complicated past into one of Asia’s warmest relationships.
From grand engineering projects like the Wusanto Dam to personal sacrifices like Sugiura’s, Taiwan remembers not only the hardships but also the acts of humanity during Japan’s rule.
That’s why, for many in Taiwan, Japan is not just a former ruler—it’s a trusted friend, a cultural partner, and a favorite destination.
Preference https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2025/04/16/2003835273?utm_source=chatgpt.com