Inauguration of Taiwan Dōkakai by Itagaki

The Taiwan Dōkakai was inaugurated by Itagaki Taisuke as part of a broader assimilation movement aimed at integrating Taiwanese society into the Japanese colonial framework. This initiative was a response to requests from prominent Taiwanese figures who sought to improve the status and rights of Taiwanese people under Japanese rule. The society attracted significant interest, with over 3,000 Taiwanese and 45 Japanese residents joining within a week of its establishment. This rapid membership growth indicated a strong desire among some Taiwanese for greater representation and engagement in the colonial administration. However, the momentum of the Dōkakai was short-lived. Following Itagaki's departure from Taiwan, the society faced severe repression. Leaders were arrested, and many Taiwanese members experienced detention and harassment, reflecting the colonial government's intolerance for movements that could challenge its authority.