ABSTRACT
During the 1920s and 1930s, the South Manchuria Railway Company’s development programs for Japan’s colony of Manzhouguo were often described with terminology that directly appealed to Americans. “New Deal,” “Open Door,” and “Manifest Destiny,” among other terms, were used to generate support and convince Americans that Japan’s plans for the Asian mainland were laudable and conformed to American values. In addition to massive industrial and transportation projects, Japanese investments also focused on security, education, medical care, sports, tourism, and a film industry. SMRC propaganda promoted their advances to explain the vision of the “new deal” for China—to bring peace and prosperity under Japanese dominion.
