In the late 1860’s samurai intellectuals were increasingly in favor of Western ideas being installed in Japan in order to raise their nation to the level of the US and of Europeans nations. They believed that to accomplish this they needed to reform their education system, their government and their society.
During this period, this movement which originated from the Meiji’s government Westernizing changes in culture (clothing, nutrition and western weaponry) went beyond the government’s actions. For example, they argued in favor of natural rights of freedom and equality and of reforms in marriage.
One of these samurai scholars was Fukuzawa Yukichi who was a translator in Edo that became conviced of the “truth” of Western views of human nature.
During this period, this movement which originated from the Meiji’s government Westernizing changes in culture (clothing, nutrition and western weaponry) went beyond the government’s actions. For example, they argued in favor of natural rights of freedom and equality and of reforms in marriage.
One of these samurai scholars was Fukuzawa Yukichi who was a translator in Edo that became conviced of the “truth” of Western views of human nature.