The Meiji Era and the Modernization of Japan...Part 2

Top 2. Jun 21, 2000 1:43 AM

» mariaandrea - Meiji Restoration

Japan was able to modernize successfully by a number of means. One important thing to remember is that this era is known as the Meiji Restoration. This refers to the restoration of the emperor of Japan as the central figure of loyalty, replacing local daimyos. The Meiji oligarchs realized this had to be the first step in creating national unity, where little had existed before. Every reform after that, in the military, educational systems and economy, were carried out in the name of the emperor.

I think the most remarkable aspect of the modernization, and what differentiated Japan from China in each country's reaction to the West, was the actions of the oligarchs. These men were former samurai who abolished their own privileged class. Many went, in a short period of time, from being overtly anti-Western to enthusiastically adopting Western patterns and systems. Without their leadership none of it would likely have happened. They were acutely aware of what was happening to China at the time and realized the only way to stand up to and compete with the West was to study, borrow and adapt economic, military, educational and social systems. They were an extraordinary group of men with far reaching vision who basically operated with the principle, "know thy enemy."

-- posted by mariaandrea

Top 3. Jan 15, 2004 6:29 PM

» thegrimreaper33 - Re: japan's successful modernization

It is my belief that japanese culture is highly disciplined, therefor the changed would not have been as great a problem as it would have been in western states, along with a strong desire to modernize. However, when most countries modernize they try to preserve their soul; their culture and tradition.

Japan however proved the need to modernize was greater than their need to retain their way of life. In the historic contexts of this page, it clearly states that the council that was entrusted with the task to modernize, used every method and what did not work was abandoned.

Also by using the Emperor as a means of bringing loyaty to the new central of japan, this contributed greatly to nation loyalty because a samurai's (meaning to serve, japanese feudal warrior) philopsphy was to protect his legie word and serve with selfless courage and comple dedication. Peasants were expected to do the same and were stronly regulated by traditions of complete obediance.

Basically, Japanese tradition and culture greatly suffered because of drastic changes made during the Meji.

-- posted by thegrimreaper33

Top 4. Mar 12, 2005 4:06 AM

» Muhia1 - Re: Re: japan's successful modernization

In response to Re: japan's successful modernization posted by thegrimreaper33:

I beg to differ. Japan's traditions and culture did not suffer greatly as you put it. On the contrary, her successful modernization was primarily because her leaders (the oligarchy) were able to successfully synthesize Japan's traditions and culture with those of the West. The adoption of western systems was tempered by the emphasis on Confucianism and Shinto. This created a unique link through which modernisation could be pursued in a harmonised and cohesive manner that could be comprehended in the traditional Japanese worldview.
It was therefore a welcome initiative that did not unnecessarily go against the grain, and in which every far reaching reform could be made more palatable to even the most conservative. Most importantly, the integration of western systems with the Japanese worldview made it possible for the individual Japanese to see what role they played in the bigger picture and thus to compliment the efforts of each other. As noted in the article, Japan already had a strong culture and they capitalized on that strength.

-- posted by Muhia1