Meiji Restoration SpeechMeiji Restoration SpeechMeiji RestorationToilet seat warmers for winter, graphic anime designs and a self-cooking kitchen are some of the contemporary innovations in modern-day Japan. Quite a contrast to the famous slogan, of the nineteenth century, “Eastern ethics and Western science”; “ancient patriotism and modern scientific application” which indicates the secret ingredients of feudal Japan’s rapid rise to power. In just forty years the hitherto, homogenous country radically modernised –a remarkable feat, breaking old, traditional habits to adopt “superior” Western ways. Perry’s opening up of Japan launched the Enlightenment or Meiji era, one characterised by nationalistic ties which not only succeeded in westernising politics, social class and culture but created a window for us to view the tensions and bloody consequences. It was a time when imperialism and a strong nationalism drove the country to take the West, and serve the divine Emperor, -“Revere the sovereign, expel the barbarian.”
Before 1868, foreign pressure, or should I say, economic imperialism (from the West) and the arrival of foreigners, immensely strained traditional Japanese culture and its customary solitude. At times it led to civil unrest and the emergence of the shishi or “men of spirit” who opposed the Westerners. It was believed that the outsiders would “poison the souls of the Japanese and convert [them] to Christianity and demolish their identity.” This is revealed in the primary source, of a Nishiki-e print where a reassuringly fearsome, sumo wrestler is beating a powerless European sailor. The huge Japanese man is portrayed as far more powerful as he towers above the sailor who has been pinned helplessly by only one gigantic bare foot. In the background, the western onlookers are cowering aghast, defending a vulnerable woman in a crinoline. This 1860s print emphasises the deep Japanese hostility towards occidentals, the strong Japanese nationalist spirit and also the fear of change. Yet, it may also be seen as propaganda which attempts to convince the public to avoid changes to society and preserve its true culture and isolation. Not only that, but since the Nishiki-e prints were a popular medium at the time, it was designed to convey its message quickly and accurately to the general public especially to the lower classes who were illiterate which emphasises its purpose, as misleading, biased propaganda. So, this source is not entirely reliable but is useful for providing one perspective of Japanese society and its reactions to government policies. We must also take into account the varying perspectives of historians, quoted throughout this piece which the majority of them are American.
By the dawn of the Meiji era, when political reforms started revealing their effects, more pressing concerns arose. Despite the Emperor Mutsuhito being merely sixteen, he signed the Charter Oath in 1868 consisting of pious hopes, elements of democracy and seeking knowledge –“all classes…shall unite,” “no discontent,” “the just laws of Nature.” But really, most of the power throughout this era fell heavily in the hands of the genro, comprised predominantly of samurai leaders like Kido Koin of Choshu, Okubo Toshimichi of Satsuma and Saigo Takamori, who aided in the process of forming a centralised government. The major step was “imperial restoration” and the decimation of the Bakufu system by abolishing the domains ruled by daimyos. Eventually political parties were created as a result of two pressures. There was a feeling that political parties and an elected government and a Constitution were symbols of a civilised nation. And two, in 1874, a number of senior politicians protested at its cautious foreign policy so issued a manifesto calling for an end to the �tyranny’ of the Meiji government, and an establishment of an elected national assembly. This marked the Popular Rights Movement demanding elections and a modern Constitution.
The process of modernising Japan still brought about other strains on the traditional society where the samurai class bore the brunt of heavy losses. Their stipends were cut by fifty per cent and even their traditional swords were banned. Therefore, it stripped away their prestige and privileges, leaving nothing behind, not even their honour and respect. This was done so the government could invest the money elsewhere and level the equality of the classes. It was seen by the genro that they “have seen no fighting for five or six generations. Their military skills have disappeared, and…seven or eight out of ten of them are as weak as women.” Eventually conscription was introduced in 1873 in order for Japan to strengthen its militia, whilst exposing rural peasants to the rest of the
The Cultural Revolution
It was not until the 19th century that the Japanese were able to put together a society that could withstand the pressure of political pressure from the feudalist, aristocratic world. Before these years an increasing number of feudalized Japanese found themselves living in a society in which the military had become a luxury to themselves and to their children. This began to change when they saw themselves as being oppressed and subjugated.
In 1918 the first official Japanese army and police were established. Japan became the 1st capitalist nation to participate in World War I. However, these policies did not end up fulfilling their military goals.
It is difficult to see how a small Japanese city like Fukuoka could live up to its military promises. It has only been in existence for 4 or 5 decades.
In the past few years, Japan has been facing social tensions and political unrest that are in part caused by its history as a socialist country.
The Great Japanese Revolution
The Revolution was an event of revolutionary change and change, which began in March of 1789, brought about a total social transformation that left most people feeling liberated and able to live on their own. The situation in the country had been transformed beyond recognition, as the population began migrating, the war between feudal lords opened up the territory of the Japanese Empire to other nations, and the militarization of local life spread to areas of other nations as well. This resulted in the emergence of modern society and more countries, particularly the United States, began to follow suit. Within a short time the rise of organized struggle took hold everywhere; in particular among the indigenous people, including in the Yukio and Soto areas.
In 1847, the country was declared war against Japan and the Japanese people became a majority. The war started with battles in the central and southern provinces but it turned to war with the remaining feudal lords and the government, which imposed its martial law on the people. The government took on the responsibility of enforcing it, but it also imposed social and economic policies similar to those imposed on the Japanese. Even in the villages and regions where the population still lived, people had their own land and property, or were forced to use it.
But unlike in the past two decades, the war with feudal lords did not result in the Japanese being subject to military rule. For the first time in Japanese history, the government was directly controlling all land and property that was not subject to military rule. The situation did not end as smoothly as in other parts of Japan.[1]
The Industrial Revolution
The rise of the industrial revolution and the rise of the Industrial Revolution in Japan was a major economic upheaval that revolutionized Japan, and helped to ensure that a new class of Japanese was born across the continent at a time when most other developed countries were experiencing similar change with increasing wealth.
In the Industrial Revolution the main factor was production. In order for the workers to gain experience in the various industries, they first had to gain experience in agriculture and mining, among other things. They needed to develop their skills which were also important