Taiwan history debate: Think tank CEO argues against selective memory

A prominent think tank executive has clarified his stance amid controversy surrounding Taiwan's history education, asserting that his aim is not to glorify Japan's colonial rule or militarism. Akio Yaita, CEO of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank, stated that he wishes for Taiwanese society to confront its past, including figures and events often overlooked in historical narratives.

Yaita's recent remarks, which noted that many Taiwanese can name Ming and Qing emperors but few know the names of Japan's 19 governors-general who ruled for 50 years, drew criticism. He believes the dispute stems from media outlets taking his comments out of context, leading to misunderstandings. He emphasized that his motivation was a documentary about Taiwanese youths sent to fight in World War II, a history he feels has been downplayed or deliberately obscured.

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History is complex and cannot be black and white, nor can we only keep the parts we like.

He acknowledged that Japan's rule involved high-pressure tactics and the mobilization of Taiwanese youth for war, actions that warrant criticism. However, he also pointed to the development of infrastructure like railways, ports, education, and public health during that period. Yaita argued that history is complex and should not be reduced to only the parts individuals prefer. He criticized post-war KMT government policies that he believes sealed off this history, forcing Taiwanese to memorize irrelevant details while neglecting figures who profoundly shaped the island's development.

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The real problem is that the post-war KMT government deliberately sealed off this history of Taiwan.