Japanese opium policy in Taiwan (1895–1945)

Following the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895, Taiwan became a colony of Japan. One of the early challenges faced by the Japanese colonial government was the widespread opium addiction among the Taiwanese population. The Japanese approach to opium policy was complex and multifaceted, characterized by a combination of suppression, regulation, and, arguably, revenue generation.

Initially, the Japanese aimed for a gradual prohibition of opium. This was influenced by international pressures and a desire to portray a civilizing mission. However, complete suppression proved difficult due to the deeply ingrained habit and the potential for a lucrative black market.

The government instituted a licensing system in 1897, requiring opium addicts to register and obtain licenses to purchase and consume the drug. This system aimed to control the opium trade and gradually reduce the number of addicts. The licenses were initially issued liberally, but over time, restrictions were tightened, and the number of licensees decreased.

A key aspect of the policy was the establishment of a government monopoly over the opium trade. The government controlled the import, manufacture, and sale of opium, ensuring a significant revenue stream for the colonial administration. This revenue was then purportedly used to fund public works and other development projects in Taiwan. Critics, however, argue that this financial dependence on opium sales undermined the commitment to complete suppression.

Furthermore, the Japanese colonial government established opium treatment centers and promoted education campaigns to discourage opium use. However, these efforts were often overshadowed by the continued availability of opium through the government monopoly and the limited resources allocated to rehabilitation programs.

The official rhetoric emphasized the eventual eradication of opium use, but the reliance on opium revenue and the pragmatic approach to regulation suggest a more ambivalent stance. While the number of registered opium addicts did decline over time, the complete elimination of opium use proved elusive.

By the end of Japanese rule in 1945, opium addiction remained a problem in Taiwan, although the number of addicts was significantly lower than at the beginning of the colonial period. The legacy of the Japanese opium policy is a complex one, marked by a tension between stated goals of suppression, practical realities of revenue generation, and the enduring impact on Taiwanese society.