The focus of this study is to dismantle the concept of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere during the Second World War. The methodology used is based on the research methods of the resources available in libraries. This concept arose when the trade dispute continues to be a political issue that contributed to the decline of Anglo-Japanese relations up by the Second World War. South Sea is the center of Japan's second most important investment after Manchukuo. Japan announced this concept on August 1, 1940 with two goals, namely freeing Southeast Asia from the exploitation of the Western powers and launching 3 A Movements. The system includes a combination of regional, cultural, economic and defense under Japan's efforts will be made as a buffer against expansion of Western imperialism. The basic aim of Japan’s policy is the establishment of a peaceful world based on Hakko Ichiu spirit (eight corners of the world under one roof). The first step to ensure this success is to establish a New Order in East Asia, with essentially located in Japan, Manchukuo and China. Although all Japanese leaders insist there are no ambitions of expansionism and imperialism against the West, countries that do not have the honesty and do not understand the true intentions of Japan should be taught through military force. Japanese government will be directly involved in exploiting and developing areas of the South Sea which is under its control.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. THE HISTORY OF THE GREATER EAST ASIA CO-PROSPERITY SPHERE IDEA
3. CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Themes
This study aims to dismantle the historical concept of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere during the Second World War, specifically examining Japan's economic and strategic motivations regarding its expansion into Malaya and the South Seas.
- Historical evolution of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere concept.
- Economic and strategic motives behind Japan's South Seas expansion policy.
- Role of Malaya as a resource hub and military base for Japanese industrial goals.
- The intersection of Japanese foreign policy, regionalism, and global relations.
Excerpt from the Book
THE HISTORY OF THE GREATER EAST ASIA CO-PROSPERITY SPHERE IDEA
One of the earliest ideas that define Japan's relations with Asia is the idea for the establishment of Federation of East Asia that was pioneered by Colonel Ishiwara Kanji and Masayoshi Miyazaki in their writing Theory of East Asian Federation (1936). They see that Japan will eventually have to deal with one or more European imperialist powers, including the Soviet Union. Thus Japan should avoid war with China, but formed an alliance with China and Manchukuo. In this way Western imperialism will be eroded from East Asia. Federation of Eastern Asia Society was founded in 1939 by Colonel Ishiwara to fight for the idea of East Asian Federation evenly. Prime Minister Konoye impressed with this idea but Tojo and the leadership of the Ministry of Defence did not approve it.
Written in the mid-1930s, a Japanese thinker, Yanaihara Tadao expresses his views on the future of Japan. According to him, since there is a close relationship in terms of geography and history between Japan and Southeast Asia, it is natural that the country should try to find a position in the South Seas to ensure continuity of its abundant population and capital accumulation. Japanese mainland itself consists of narrow islands. From the political point of view of geography, Japanese expansion is naturally in this direction.
Such opinion is familiar and have support among the Japanese people. This expansion movement is closely linked with illegal organizations or secret organization that fights for the Japanese imperialist agenda. The economic importance of the south development, called in Japan as nanshin, featured in the arguments that justifying and promoting this action. By late May 1936, it appears that the 'South Seas Policy' was adopted by the Japanese government to 'peace economic development'.
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the research focus on demystifying the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere using local primary sources, highlighting Malaya's importance for raw materials.
2. THE HISTORY OF THE GREATER EAST ASIA CO-PROSPERITY SPHERE IDEA: Examines the ideological and strategic origins of Japan's southward expansion policy, including the role of key thinkers and government political goals.
3. CONCLUSION: Summarizes the Japanese objective to secure economic self-sufficiency and stability by controlling resource-rich areas like Malaya under the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.
Keywords
British, Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, Japan, Malaya, Second World War, Nanshin, Hakko Ichiu, New Order, South Seas, Industrialization, Imperialism, Resources, Economy, Strategic Expansion, Colonialism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this research?
This work examines the historical concept of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, analyzing how Japan justified its southward expansion during the Second World War.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The core themes include Japanese economic policy, the search for resource-rich territories, the strategic importance of Malaya, and the ideological justifications such as the "New Order" and "Hakko Ichiu."
What is the primary objective of this study?
The primary goal is to demystify the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere and explore how Japan attempted to use this framework to expand its investment and control in Malaya.
Which research methodology is employed?
The study utilizes a methodology based on the analysis of primary local sources and library resources to provide a fresh perspective on Japanese occupation policies.
What topics are covered in the main section of the book?
The main section covers the intellectual history behind the sphere, the influence of Japanese thinkers, the geopolitical pressures of the 1930s, and the administration of Malaya during the occupation.
Which specific keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, Japan, Malaya, British colonial influence, and Japanese industrial policy.
How does the concept of "Hakko Ichiu" relate to Japanese policy?
It represents the spiritual justification for Japanese expansion, meaning "eight corners of the world under one roof," intended to create a peaceful world order under Japanese leadership.
Why was Malaya specifically significant to the Japanese government?
Malaya was targeted for its abundant natural resources, particularly tin and rubber, which were essential for Japan's industrial sector and war efforts.
What role did private companies play in the development of the South Sea areas?
Private companies, under the strict supervision of the Japanese military, were tasked with running development programs and managing the extraction of mineral resources.
How did Japan attempt to justify its expansion to the international community?
Japan framed its expansion as an effort to free Southeast Asia from Western exploitation and establish an economic bloc to promote common prosperity and regional security.
- Quote paper
- Uqbah Iqbal (Author), Nordin Hussin (Author), Ahmad Ali Seman (Author), 2015, The Historical Formation Idea of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/289015
