Japan's last remaining individuals native to Taiwan who were born during the country's colonisation period.

In the heart of Taipei, remnants of a bygone era echo the history of Japan's 50-year colonial rule over Taiwan. This period, spanning from 1895 to 1945, left a lasting impact on the island's culture, infrastructure, and society.

One of the most significant events during this time was the 1915 Tapani incident, a large-scale armed revolt by Taiwanese Han and Aboriginals against Japanese rule. The uprisings were brutally suppressed, with thousands reportedly killed, nearly 2,000 arrested, and close to a hundred executed, according to official data.

During this period, Japan's entry into World War II and the subsequent Allied air raids on Taiwan significantly impacted the lives of those on the island. Despite the hardships, the Japanese colonial government developed key infrastructure such as roads and railways, modernised industries like sugar, and left a lasting architectural legacy.

Japanese-era architecture is a prominent feature in Taipei, with the Presidential Office Building serving as a remnant of colonial rule. Districts in Taipei were modeled after Japan's during the colonial period, with Zhongzheng district once a dormitory cluster for Japanese civil servants. Today, Zhongzheng district is protected under Taiwan's Cultural Heritage Preservation Act.

Education in Taipei was conducted in Japanese during Japan's colonial rule. This era also saw the development of the Taiwanese sugar industry, with Japanese firms coming to dominate the market. Notably, a Japanese engineer or official involved in infrastructure projects played a significant role in the modernisation of the sugar industry and the development of railways.

The colonial era also produced a unique group of individuals known as "wansei," Japanese born in Taiwan during Japan's colonisation. Some of the last surviving "wansei" still consider Taiwan a second home. One such individual is 93-year-old Hisashi Niimoto, who was born in Taiwan during Japan's colonial rule. Niimoto's grandfather, Shikanosuke, was even involved in the construction of the local railway.

In conclusion, Japan's 50-year rule over Taiwan left a profound impact on the island's culture, infrastructure, and society. Today, these remnants serve as a testament to a period in Taiwan's history that continues to shape its identity.