This image is called "Meiji Restoration". Can you explain why?
This week, because of the Anzac Day Holiday, we are having a virtual tutorial rather than meeting face to face. The topic is The Rise of Japan and you have already had the lecture on this by Adam Clulow in Week 7. The readings for this week are on pp.107-115 of the unit reader and are very accessible. You might also like to check out two youtube clips located on the right under Useful (and interesting) links:
First Sino-Japanese War
Meiji Restoration
The question that you should respond to by comment is:
"What role did war, and preparations for war, play in the cementing of Japanese national identity in the Meiji period (1868-1912)?"
Meiji Restoration
The question that you should respond to by comment is:
"What role did war, and preparations for war, play in the cementing of Japanese national identity in the Meiji period (1868-1912)?"
Japanese involvement in war during the Meiji period served to both modernise the nation, and to introduce patriotism and ideological harmony. In the build-up to the Sino-Japanese war, this introduced itself in the concept of Japan's duty of enlightenment to the East. Japan was self-depicted as the 'Champion of progress in the East', and universal participation in the emancipation of the East from Chinese conservatism was required.
ReplyDeleteAs stated by Fukuzawa Yukichi, every 'word, action, and material good' was to be devoted to 'the promotion of Japanese victory'. This cultural mobilisation was maintained through the war's ability to produce further material for propaganda. War songs and the mass production of nishikie continued to develop patriotism. A Similar influence was had by the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-5 ('War of Meiji'). Prime minister Katsure Taro described the Japanese as 'Puffed up with pride' as a results of victory against the great power. Monuments of commemoration and 'Triumphal' entry parties were evident all over Japan. This too saw the introduction of mass media coverage, in the form of advertisement and newspapers - which had tripled over a period of 15 years. The identity, or self-perception of Japan viewed as a result of these conflicts is highlighted in the Imperial Precept to Soldiers and Sailors. This commanded 'loyalty' to the Emperor as 'Commander-in-chief', and qualities such as 'valor', 'faithfulness' and 'righteousness'.
The Meiji period strengthened Japanese national identity and distinguished it as unique from Japan's past reliance on Chinese culture and romanticism. Japan became the champion of progress in the East. This role changed Japan's relationship with China from one based on respect and admiration to one of contempt and hostility.
ReplyDeleteThere was a shared ideology in Japan to encourage the enlightenment to spread to the East and that it was wrong for China to interfere with the spread of enlightenment.
National identity in Japan was united and cemented through war songs, (songs that vilified of the Chinese as weak and cowardly and legitimised Japan's ideals and war efforts) as well as through ceremonies, celebrations and commemorations of Japanese war heroes.
War was an intricate part of cementing a Westernized national identity for Japan. A modern Westernized nation needs an army, money, education, and rule over their domain. The first step in developing a modern Westernized country was to set up a new military. The motto became “rich country, strong military.” In 1876 the Samurai was replaced by a national army. The second thing a modern nation needed was money. In 1873 a national land tax was started to raise money. Compulsory education was started in 1872. The education system focused on producing good, loyal subjects to the emperor. Finally, Japan needed rule over the domains. In 1871 they abolished the individual domains in Japan and for the first time Japan was one nation of people all calling themselves Japanese.
ReplyDelete