MODERNIZATION IN JAPAN

Modernization in Japan

Modernization in Japan

Introduction

Looking at the intricacies of modernization of Japan is a stressful chore. Undoubtedly, the storyline so far starts out in the Edo period. A researcher might possibly be forced to investigate early technological advancement, which in several ways was associated with: 1) the demand for augmenting agricultural productiveness; 2) the increasing significance of trade and manufacture through-out the state; 3) the Japanese encounter in struggling with foreigners; 4) an exceptionally elegant academic system. The Japanese experience regarding dealing with the western power together with the increased significance of trade and manufacture, however, played the most prominent role. The document attempts to discuss modernization in Japan in wake of subsequent Meiji Restoration and the Commodore Perry's arrival preceding it. It attempts to explore the topic under light of three basic factors Honda Toshiaki's A Secret Plan of Government, Iwasaki Yataro's Letter to Mitsubishi Employees and Sakuma Shozan's Reflections on My Errors.

Discussion

The growing monetary force of Japan after the 2nd World War awakened rising curiosity about the nation and the factors that caused its extraordinary achievements within the international community framework and in addition the media channels. Japan had first caught worldwide recognition with its unanticipated triumph over Russia in the warfare of 1904-1905. European powers started to acknowledge Japan as a fair and square competitor, certainly in armed forces stipulations. Japan was a newbie but acquired the position of getting modified with an incredible momentum to the development and the usage of Western technological innovation.

Unquestionably, the World War II brought about an unpleasant and disappointing setback, however from the sixties onwards one quickly acquired the image of Japan as a phoenix growing from the ashes. Still , the realization that a country which was caught up in primarily agrarian, feudalism and experienced a pre-modern social order until the 2nd half of the 19th century , lead directly in the direction of such swift industrialization triggered sufficient attention to be considered as a as a potential model for other countries which are confronting similar situations. Its achievements and, to be realistic, occasionally its downfalls present an exquisite reflection of Japan's metamorphosis into a revolutionary contemporary society.

Honda Toshiaki's A Secret Plan of Government

By the mid 19th century Japan was forced to overcome or break through domestic challenges and the international affairs. A Chinese expression, stated in the Japanese language as Naiyu gaikan (difficulties at home and threats from outside), was employed at that time. At present we might express this as foreign and domestic crises. Just like the majority of social crises worldwide, it also exhibited itself in monetary challenges. To encounter economic challenges, the authorities were compelled to decrease the stipends of samurai retainers also to augment supplementary taxations on peasants. These types of added budgetary burdens on the lot of samurai retainers as well as peasantry promoted hostility between the domain authorities and them which in turn lead to significant social crisis. Furthermore, the European powers were starting out to impinge on ...