Japanese Imperialism

This week in my UNHP Humanities class we have been learning about Japanese imperialism. One definition of imperialism is “the policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and dominion of a nation especially by direct territorial acquisitions or by gaining indirect control over the political or economic life of other areas.” While trying to take over other Asian countries, the Japanese performed inhumane acts. Many of the things Japan did during the time are still unresolved today. A few of the issues we discussed were comfort women, Rape of Nanking, and textbook controversies.

During World War II Japanese soldiers would capture and rape many women. These women are referred to as “comfort women” or “sex slaves”. The women who survived these awful acts were often looked down upon. On top of the shame they feel from the label others have put on them, these women have been traumatized and have to live with the memories of what was done to them. The worse thing about all this is that the Japanese are denying that any of it happened. Other countries along with the abused women want Japan to take responsibility for their wrong doings and apologize.

The Rape of Nanking, also known as “Nanking Massacre”, occurred in 1937. Japan invaded China and killed 200,000 people. During the invasion 10s of thousands of women and children were also raped. Still today the Japanese are not admitting to this tremendous act of violence.

The Japanese are also teaching their students that these and the many other events that happened did not occur. Anything that is talked about in books is always downplayed to make the Japanese appear less bad to their people. This is causing great controversy because they are teaching false information in their schools.

Many countries try to expand an imperialize, but Japan misued their power. I think it is very sad that these events occurred in history. There was no reason for Japan to kill and mistreat these other countries' people. I do not understand why it continued to happen for so long, but it was good they were finally stopped before others were hurt as well.