The Opium Empire

Exploring Japan's imperialistic strategies, this study examines the historical context of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East's findings on drug abuse as a tool for domination. It traces Japan's involvement in the opium and narcotics trade from the annexation of Taiwan in 1895 through World War II, arguing that the use of drugs reflects the complexities of Japanese imperialism rather than a straightforward conspiracy. Opium and narcotics symbolize the broader dynamics of Japan's expansionist policies in Asia.