How did the Burmese experience under Japan differ from other regions?

The Burmese experience under Japan differed due to the initial support for Japanese occupation and subsequent violent resistance.

When Japan invaded Burma during the Second World War, the Burmese initially welcomed them as liberators from British colonial rule. The Japanese promised independence and self-rule, which appealed to the Burmese nationalists. The Burma Independence Army (BIA) was formed with Japanese assistance, and many Burmese saw this as an opportunity to regain their sovereignty. This initial support for the Japanese occupation was a significant difference from other regions, where the Japanese were often met with immediate resistance.

However, the Burmese soon realised that the Japanese rule was not as benevolent as they had hoped. The Japanese imposed harsh military rule, exploited Burma's resources, and subjected the Burmese people to forced labour, torture, and other human rights abuses. The promised independence was not forthcoming, and the Burmese were essentially trading one form of colonial rule for another.

This led to a shift in the Burmese attitude towards the Japanese. The BIA, which had initially collaborated with the Japanese, transformed into the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League (AFPFL) and began a violent resistance against the Japanese. This was another significant difference from other regions, where resistance movements were often fragmented and lacked the unified front presented by the AFPFL.

The Burmese resistance was instrumental in driving out the Japanese. They collaborated with the Allied forces, providing them with valuable intelligence and assistance. The Burmese experience under Japanese rule was therefore characterised by an initial period of collaboration, followed by a violent and unified resistance. This was a unique experience compared to other regions under Japanese occupation, where resistance was often less coordinated and more sporadic.

In summary, the Burmese experience under Japan differed due to the initial support for Japanese occupation, the subsequent disillusionment and violent resistance, and the instrumental role the Burmese played in their own liberation. This contrasted with other regions where resistance was often fragmented and less effective.