Historical Practice of Chinese Women Migrating from Northeast China to Northeast Japan as Intermarried Immigrants: A Life Story Approach to Manchukuo Memories

Abstract

In regard to post-war China, a comprehensive retrospective of Manchukuo (A Japanese-led puppet state occupying northeast China from 1932 to 1945) has yet to be conducted. While the national memory of Manchukuo holds a dominant position, the challenge of narrating the memories of individuals has emerged. In previous investigations, the authors have explored the life stories of immigrant women, who were born in northeast China and moved to northeast Japan through intermarriage. In line with such research, the present study delves into the lives of two of these women, with specific focus on their Manchukuo memory forming process and historical practice. Based on the results, three stages of memory forming were identified, ranging from childhood to the time of migration, with daily resistance within the context of Chinese national-level memory. The findings suggest the possibility of uncovering hidden individual memories in national-level memory, which can lead to a more diverse understanding of Manchukuo.