After being under the colonial rule of Western countries in the 19th century, most Southeast Asian countries, excluding Thailand, were occupied by Japan during the Asia-Pacific War. To secure war resources, such as oil and rubber, Japan established military governments in those countries, while taking advantage of the system of colonial rule. In the Southeast Asian countries under Japanese military occupation more than 6.5 million people died from overwork as “romusha” (laborers), due to being forced to provide food, of starvation, or through direct violence and battle. About 1.65 million Japanese, including military personnel, were involved in the occupation of Southeast Asia, with many Taiwanese and Koreans also being sent there.
- area Colonies and Occupied Territories by the Empire of Japan
- theme Colonies and Territories Occupied by the Empire of Japan
- explanation TOP ■Southeast Asia “The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere” : Endless Domination and Exploitation
The Consequences of Japanese Occupation
The Consequences of Japanese Occupation
After being under the colonial rule of Western countries in the 19th century, most Southeast Asian countries, excluding Thailand, were occupied by Japan during the Asia-Pacific War. To secure war resources, such as oil and rubber, Japan established military governments in those countries, while taking advantage of the system of colonial rule. In the Southeast Asian countries under Japanese military occupation more than 6.5 million people died from overwork as “romusha” (laborers), due to being forced to provide food, of starvation, or through direct violence and battle. About 1.65 million Japanese, including military personnel, were involved in the occupation of Southeast Asia, with many Taiwanese and Koreans also being sent there.