Return to Roots

1. Return to Roots Change is coming

2. American Ideas Japanese who visited America and other western countries studied the construction of their houses and examined their furnishings- sofas, armchairs, mirrors, china and cutlery. They they tried to recreate a “Western room” in their own homes. They would hang a mirror on a wall and install a glass window pane or two in their paper sliding screens. In the middle of their room, on a patterned carpet laid over their straw floor mats, they would place a table with a tasselled tablecloth.

3. Once the renovations were complete, a Japanese homeowner might invite his friends for a visit. They would sit in his chairs, eat meat with knives and forks, and sip Western champagne instead of Japanese sake. Some guests might wear kimonos, the traditional dress worn for centuries in Japan; others might wear Western business suits. To many Japanese, adopting Western ways and learning how to speak English were symbols of their becoming “modern”. Other Japanese, however were concerned about “too much” Westernization.

4. In Japan many changes took place in a short space of time. Many people of all social classes were open to new ideas and ways. The wealthy bought western clothing The poor who weren’t able to afford such clothes still accepted Western ideas, village constitution to promote western political ideas and democracy. Other Japanese were conservative with traditional ways.

5. March to Westernization Westernization: adoption of western ways and ideas. Motto: Civilization and Enlightenment The Meiji government officials wanted to change the unequal treaties with the Western countries. They felt the way to do this was to win respect for Japan by showing that it was a modern, civilized country. They also thought it would make Japan stronger and more competitive with Western powers.

6. Cultural Changes Westerners in the mid 1800s who came to Japan were often not tolerant to Japanese customs. Japanese officials outlawed behaviour that was offensive to foreigners.

7. In warm weather, Japanese working men wore only loincloths. When a European woman complained about their lack of “respectable clothing”, the governor of Yokohama ordered all labourers and boatmen to “wear a shirt or tunic, properly closed.”

8. In 1872, the Japanese government passed a law to prohibit tattooing, including that done by the Ainu. Many Samurai had tattoos.

9. Public bathing, an essential Japanese ritual, shocked proper Victorians (Queen Victoria of Britain). Public baths were ordered to close or be modified.

10. Western Dress The government urged Japanese men to abandon their kimonos for trousers and suit coats. 1870’s all prominent Japanese, including the emperor, wore hair cut short. Some grew beards and moustaches. The Japanese military were ordered to wear Western style uniforms. The uniforms of police and train conductors were changed to western style.

11. Backlash Against Westernization Many Japanese thought their society was going to far with westernization, especially after the government built the Deer Cry Pavillion. The Deer Cry Pavillion was a fancy European style building in which western visitors were entertained. They had long buffets with European foods. Japanese puffed on Cuban cigars and played pools and billiards. Listened to french orchestras, german polkas and waltzes. The Japanese decided to close the Deer Cry Pavillion. A backlash, that is, a hostile reaction to a trend, was setting in against westernization.

12. Changes that Upset the Japanese Many Japanese did not eat meat. Strict buddhism forbade the killing and eating animals. The Meiji government encouraged it. Wearing the Topknot Westernization thought topknots were too primitive. Japanese were pressured into getting haircuts.

13. Returning to Old Values People were made to feel embarrassed about their traditions and their lives were being altered by practices borrowed from the West. The rapid change had made tensions in Japanese society. Japanese were a proud and independent people. Their customs and beliefs were important to them. It was time to adapt to Western ways but in Japanese ways. The motto “Civilization and Enlightenment” was changed to “Western science, Japanese essence”

14. Japan’s Constitution The new constitution made the emperor's powers were described as sacred and inviolable that is never to be challenged or dishonoured. Japanese were given freedom of speech and religion and rights to privacy, property, movement, and legal rights among others. An imperial Diet or government was created. House of Peers (nobility) and a House of Representatives (people)

15. Lessons from the West The Meiji leaders looked at the powerful of the West and saw three things they had in common. 1)control over foreign colonies or territories 2)military power to defend its territories 3)A strong and independent economy

16. Japanese government began to strengthen its military. This would also allow Japan to gain territory and influence in Asia. Japan would also be able to protect itself from western aggression as well as its closest neighbours, China and Russia. Japan came up with another motto Wealthy Country, Strong Army.

17. How did Japan become a military power? Conscription Law of 1873 : Required that all males to serve in the military for three years and to do reserve duty for another four years. The second step was the takeover of several island territories. Sino - Japanese War and the Russo - Japanese War

18. Embracing Change Some Japanese thinkers were not pleased with the process of adopting Western ways (regardless of the benefits of technology and military power). They were disturbed that Japan’s political and education system seem to be returning to the old authoritarian ways of the shogun era. They argued modern peace loving civilizations became prosperous by giving their citizens freedoms, rights and democracy. They criticized the Meiji regime (not the Emporer) for paying too much attention military and war. They worried Japan was trying to become a “powerful state” rather than a “civilized society”.

19. The 20th Century and Beyond The militarization and imperialism that began during the Meiji era led Japan to its involvement in World War II and eventual defeat in 1945 with the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

20. The term miracle has been applied to westerners more than once to Japan’s modern history. It has been used to describe its achievements in Meiji, when in just half a century it developed from an obscure and isolated land of paddy fields to a major imperial power. It was used again just a few decades later, to describe the nation’s (Japan’s) even more rapid postwar (After WWII) rise from the ashes of defeat to become by some measures the wealthiest country on the planet, and by any measures a huge economic superpower.

21. Modern Times Japanese management practices were studied by other countries who were eager to copy their success. The strong Japanese economy led to prosperity and consumerism. By the late 1960’s the goal was a car, colour tv and air conditioner in every Japanese home. Now most of the technology of cell phones, Ipods and video games come from Japan….Land of the rising sun.