Manuscripts on paper

(many on pre-printed paper), generally 8vo, separated into eleven bundles of varying thicknesses. Several hundred sheets. [Taiwan]: ca. 1933-45.




A set of pre- and wartime official documents from Tainan in southern Taiwan; this collection promises to shed light on Tainan during the period of Japanese rule. Until the end of the Second World War, Taiwan was under Japanese colonial rule, and these documents originate with the Japanese colonial authorities. The period covered by the documents is roughly 1943 to 1945 (but there are some from the 1930s). Tainan prefecture was a large administrative division that included not only the city of Tainan but also Chiayi and Yunlin.


Judging largely by the wording on the pre-printed forms and stationery used, the collection contains documents from a number of agencies and semi-official civil organizations. They include (translations are tentative) the Association for Mutual Assistance for Civilians Evacuated Off the Island 島外疎開民共助會; the Tainan Institution for Mercy and Grace 臺南慈惠院, a charitable trust; the Tainan Prefectural Branch of the Taiwanese Labor Brigade for the Protection of the Country 臺灣護國勤勞團臺南州支部; the Tainan Municipal Office 臺南市役所; the Tainan City Association for the Assistance of Society and Industry 臺南市社會事業助成會; the Tainan Prefecture Fisheries Association 臺南州水產會; the Tainan Prefecture Farmers' Association 臺南州農會; the Tainan Harbor Fishery Guild 臺南港漁業組合; and the Matō Neighborhood Association 麻豆保甲. The neighborhood associations of colonial Taiwan were surveillance organizations, aiding the police in controlling the native Han population and, during wartime, supporting mobilization efforts. Another organization centered on Matō town is also represented in this corpus.


Many of the documents are primarily financial in content, with receipts containing reimbursements for various matters. One example records damage from a bomb that hit a dormitory in the Eirakuchō 永樂町 neighborhood of central Tainan and completely destroyed the house. The report on the damage was drawn up by the Tainan Prefecture Fisheries Association.


Very good condition. The documents are quite legible; many are stamped with official seals by various bureaucrats along the chain of command (from agent to mayor). Occasional rust staining from paper clips and staples.