The Japanese Administration of Guam, 1941-1944

Book excerpt: During World War II, Guam was the only American territory where Japan "administered" the occupied local people. "Organic integration" was the purpose and goal of the Japanese Navy's two and a half year administration of the local Chamorro people, but the navy's attempts failed before U.S. reinvasion in July 1944. By emphasizing the extent of Japan's Mandate in Micronesia, this book examines the Japanese Navy's social, economic, and cultural approaches to "organic integration." Using abundant primary data, the author gives a clear and verifiable picture of the whole occupation period and the Japanese ruling ideology for not only Guam but the entire region--and finds new ways to consider just why Japan went to war. Personal testimonies and documents are included to illustrate the Japanese mentality of war as it unfolded.