Palace or Prison?

The Last Emperor, Puyi, was installed as the “leader” of Manchukuo which was established by the Japanese during their occupation of Manchuria. As you have studied in world history, it was a time of horrifying atrocities which were committed not only in China, but also throughout Southeast Asia. The Japanese had a long stay in Manchuria and it is not surprising that numerous war atrocities have been committed here. News of biological weapon experiments were true and there were labs created in the Manchuria just for that. No wonder the Chinese hate the Japanese so much. More than half a century has passed since the Japanese left, tensions still run high between the two countries. As a civilization, the Chinese have very long memories, it will take a very long time before the two countries and build up trust again.

The Puppet Emperor’s Palace is one of the symbols of this period of occupation by the Japanese. In order to impart and air of legitimacy to the Chinese people, the Japanese installed a Puppet Emperor, Puyi, who was the last emperor from the Qing dynasty before the establishment of the republic. Puyi, being Chinese, was never trusted by the Japanese, and was just a figurehead to keep the Chinese docile. Puyi, on the other hand, was allegedly pushing for the restoration of the Chinese state but we all know what happened to that. Thus despite having the title of “leader” and despite having an imperial palace of his own here in Changchun, one would wonder if this place was more of a palace or a prison? What were the thoughts that ran through Puyi’s head when he was staying here. The exhibits at the Puppet Emperor’s Palace give us an idea of what kind of life he lived there, though it is of course done through Chinese eyes.

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