How did Japan administer its Southeast Asian ‘empire’ and what was the response in (one or two) Southeast Asian countries to Japanese occupation?
In the grand scheme of world history Japan was one of the last countries to try their hand at colonisation. Stemming from domestic feelings of inadequacy and a fear of foreign powers intervening in their own country, Japan wished to make the move from an outdated form of society, and establish herself as a respected modernised nation. Drastic reforms were carried out in all areas including the army and political system and armed forces were built up substantially. In order to meet economic demands and further promote industrial growth, Japan quickly made the move to colonial conquest, spreading her influence to Korea and Taiwan. Due to the depression and later the Asia-pacific war, Japan’s need for resources grew and spread of Japanese influence reached via military means covered most of coastal China and most of South-eastern Asia, all the way down to the Indonesian Archipelago. As Japan was quite a ruthless master with its colonies inhabitants, just as Japan’s influence grew, so did the anti-Japanese feeling. Such was the hatred of them, it was able to unite whole nations. China and Indonesia both underwent drastic political changes after the defeat of the Japanese in World War II, which can be partly attributed to consequences of Japan’s colonial expansion.
Undeniably, Japan was a late-comer in that of colonial conquest. For over 250 years it had isolated itself, watching from afar Western powers colonise various parts of the world. However, after the demise of the Japanese government in 1868, it was apparent to Japanese elites that their country was seen as an inept, feudal, agrarian state, both domestically and by the world. With little industry, a poor defence system and a great need for technological advancement, Japan was incredibly wary of the colonial forces that had already conquered much of southern...