ABSTRACT
Historical perception is generally defined from two perspectives. In a broad sense, it refers to the process through which nation-states identify themselves by interpreting events that occurred in the past; on this basis, they search for key concepts that help them realize their situation. In a narrow sense, this refers only to historical narratives. Regarding the editing of history textbooks, especially in the pedagogic field, the selection and presentation of historical events usually prompts the emergence of controversial issues. Certainly, problems related to historical perception exist in Taiwan. When Taiwan’s party politics unfolded against the background of Taiwanization, debates concerning the history of education were kindled, which have led to a complete revision of textbooks in society and history. In addition, owing to the trend of de-Sinicization in Taiwan’s history education, the contesting historical perceptions have escalated into tensions or even conflicts between Taiwan and Mainland China. In the context of East Asia’s political situation, Taiwan has been a close ally of Japan. However, as a result of the process through which the history textbook for the three countries is jointly edited, Taiwan has often been ignored in discussions on East Asian problems. This chapter first provides a brief introduction to previous scholarship undertaken in Taiwan on Japan’s history textbook problem. Meanwhile, it also sheds light on Taiwan’s debates related to historical perception. By doing so, this chapter seeks to reconsider Taiwan’s role in its dialog with neighboring countries in the context of East Asia’s problem related to historical perception.
