Meiji Restoration

Meiji Transformation (1868-1900) in Japan was a turning point in the history of the state. Due to the Western approach of modernization in internal political, economic and social spheres; in other words, the transition from a traditional society to modern, Japan became one of the leading world countries. However, in big cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, such modernization was more tangible than in the provincial small towns or villages, where the strong connection with traditions was still…

industrialization and isolation period, Japan had to make choices promptly in order to hold a solid future. The Meiji Era 1868-1912, was the period in Japan's history where ports were opened to the outside industrializing world. However, this caused controversy considering whether or not this restoration was really the best alternative. Additionally, it is often debated, to what extent was the Meiji beneficial for Japan. Looking to the surrounding historical context of the time, some may argue…

Saigō Takamori was born on on 1827/12/7 in the Castletown of Kagoshima, an isolated area within the Satsuma domain under the control of the Shimazu clan which had established themselves as the oldest living clan in Japan at the time of his birth. The Shimazu clan were of notable prestige in that they were the only clan that received foreign ambassadors in a time when, under the orders of the Tokugawa Shogunate (the shogunate was a council of military commanders led primarily by a single domain),…

one of the most famous novels in modern Japanese literature. The novel is set in Meiji era Japan, a time when Japan became a more modern and Westernized country. Although the modernization of Japan was a welcomed change, many Japanese were torn between the inevitable modernity of their country and their tradition. The modernization of Japan brought about societal changes in the role of women, but similar to the Meiji era, the representation of women in Kokoro were torn between modernity and…

First of all the Meiji restoration was a nonviolent act that had occurred at first which consisted of being a kind of revolution despite the act of nonviolence. It was able to bring complete power to the government along with rigorous change. It was because of this change that was able to help it get modernly Westernized quickly due to the development in cities, trade and allowing the government to rise even higher than before at a rapid rate. It was because of this that helped to substitute…

The turnover from the Tokugawa period to the Meiji is historically seen as a Japan entering a new age of modernization and industrialization to reach western levels of civilization. Tokugawa as a traditional, old fashioned age while Meiji metaphorically as opening itself up to new ideas and western ways of thinking. The Meiji era was a time where Japan opened itself up to western influence. This romanticized way of viewing Meiji as a triumphant time of growing industry and capitalism is, however…

1. The Tokugawa period is that from 1600-1868 while the Meiji period is from 1868-1912. During the Tokugawa period, there were various levels of class including Samurai, Farmer, Artisans, Merchants, and outcasts (aka hinin or burakumin). The Samurai and burakumin were especially important matters during that time as Samurai’s served as retainers for Daimyos and other government bodies within the domains of Japan. The Tokugawa period was a time of harsh punishment and fear. Much of the…

was commonly used in international propaganda to decry and degrade an opponent’s foreign scheme. Imperialism in Japan 1) Meiji Restoration, modernization and westernization of Japan In 1867, Emperor Meiji ascended to the throne when he was only 15 years old. Because of this, the actual government power rested on the cabinet of advisers formed to help Emperor Meiji govern the country. The cabinet began planning a lot…

During the period between 1600 and 1900 in Japan, regarding cultural and political changes and continuities, the ideology of kokutai remained constant while there were significant changes in their militarily weak country and isolated nation. Japan changed from being a weakened isolated nation to a modern imperialist country. Before this big change, Japan was under the rule of Tokugawa Shogunate. Japan did not associate with any other country because they believed foreign influence was a…

Gender Roles Throughout the Meiji Era, gender roles were redefined following the Western standards, many roles were outlined in the Imperial Constitution and other legal documents. Women faced harder segregation compared to the Tokugawa Era. In the Imperial Constitution it defined the definition of a “family”. It segregated women, men, and children into roles in the traditional family, with the father as the head of the household. The Imperial Constitution allowed polygamy, which is where a…