Sōshi-kaimei policy

Definition

The sōshi-kaimei policy was a cultural assimilation strategy implemented by Japan during its colonial rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945, aimed at erasing Korean identity and promoting Japanese culture. This policy involved changing Korean names to Japanese names and promoting the use of the Japanese language in schools and public life. By enforcing this assimilation, the Japanese government sought to integrate Koreans into the Japanese empire, suppress Korean nationalism, and establish a unified national identity under Japanese dominance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sōshi-kaimei policy was officially instituted in 1939, pushing for the transformation of Korean names into Japanese-style names.
2. Under this policy, Koreans were pressured to adopt Japanese language usage in all public and private spheres, diminishing the presence of the Korean language.
3. The implementation of this policy was part of a broader effort to suppress Korean culture, including banning traditional practices and promoting Shintoism.
4. Resistance to the sōshi-kaimei policy led to underground movements advocating for the preservation of Korean identity and culture during colonial rule.
5. The impact of sōshi-kaimei policy is still felt today, as many Koreans view it as a painful reminder of their colonial past and an attempt at cultural genocide.

Review Questions

• How did the sōshi-kaimei policy affect the identity of Koreans during Japanese colonial rule?
  • The sōshi-kaimei policy had a profound effect on Korean identity by forcing individuals to abandon their traditional names and adopt Japanese equivalents. This was part of a larger strategy aimed at erasing Korean cultural markers and promoting a singular Japanese identity. Many Koreans resisted this change, which highlighted a struggle between national identity and imposed assimilation.
• Analyze the methods used by the Japanese government to implement the sōshi-kaimei policy and their broader implications for Korean society.
  • The Japanese government implemented the sōshi-kaimei policy through various means, including legal mandates for name changes and educational reforms that prioritized the Japanese language. These methods effectively marginalized Korean culture in public life and education. The broader implications included a generation of Koreans growing up with an altered sense of identity, as they were disconnected from their heritage, leading to long-lasting impacts on post-colonial society.
• Evaluate the legacy of the sōshi-kaimei policy on contemporary Korean views towards Japan and discussions about historical memory.
  • The legacy of the sōshi-kaimei policy significantly influences contemporary Korean views toward Japan, as many Koreans associate this period with oppression and cultural suppression. The forced assimilation remains a contentious topic in discussions about historical memory, as it evokes feelings of resentment and victimhood among Koreans. This complex historical relationship continues to affect diplomatic relations and cultural exchanges between Korea and Japan today.

Related terms

Japanese Colonial Rule: The period from 1910 to 1945 when Korea was annexed by Japan, characterized by significant political, social, and economic changes imposed by the colonial government.

Cultural Assimilation: The process through which one cultural group adopts the customs and attitudes of another group, often resulting in the loss of the original culture's identity.

Korean Nationalism: A political and cultural movement aimed at establishing and preserving the identity and sovereignty of the Korean people in response to foreign domination.