Abstract This paper discusses the means in which the Japanese society opened up its trade routes to the west. By demonstrating this innovation in eastern/western diplomacy, the writer shows how the Japanese held decided cultural advantages over the Chinese in the western race for trade routes with the Orient.
Abstract This paper discusses the novels of prolific Japanese author Natsume Soseki, which offer an interesting expose into life during the era of Emperor Meiji ,as well as a first hand account of the education system of that time. The paper summarizes the information that Soseki provides about Emperor Meiji and the reforms he implemented, which emphasized both nationalism and the integration of foreign ideals. The paper also points out that Soseki's novels reveal that, though change was afoot in Tokyo and intellectual thought was advancing, many of the traditional Japanese ideals still held fast amongst city and country folk alike.
Abstract This paper examines two sets of Japanese documents: One from approximately 500 A. D. and one, a millennium later, from the Tokugawa shogunate. They are compared and contrasted. The earliest documents are mythical and religious in tone and the latter deals with the bureaucratization of society, particularly the Samurai class.
Abstract This paper discusses the responses to three thematic posed questions on the origins of Japanese bureaucracy, the arrival of the warrior as symbol of legitimate political authority, and the significance of the Onin War. Together, these responses show important gaps between an imperial center and life in the provinces, Buddhist elite culture and Shinto popular culture; a formal shogunate versus local warlords/armies, and what must have seem a forever week imperial civil/divine power, and an effective martial power, in the same society.
From the Paper "Question I. The production of an imperial Japanese bureaucracy owed to changes from kofun Japan's clans in the provinces, and the Nara period's establishment of an imperial capital removed from rural areas. The rise of bureaucracy is often associated with the Nara period but one sees that its development was a longer process that continued past the Nara period. In 710 AD, Nara was the capital but the imperial residence moved to Kyoto in 794, where it remained until 1868. In the 10th century, the emperors disappeared from the public, leaving administration to others. "
Abstract The following paper discusses the exciting course of the history of one of the world's most prominent and influential countries ? Japan. It examines Japan's days through simple life in the ancient times (Yayoi, Jomon, and Heian periods) to years of civil unrest during the Feudal times, dominated by constant warfare for the position of ultimate power ? shogun. This paper also looks at Japan's culture, her people and her ideology, as time passes into the Meiji restoration. The writer discusses Japan's fierce struggle for global prominence as she tries to expand beyond her tiny island nation onto mainland Asia, only to be sucked into the global conflict of World War II. The writer reflects on the country's vital role in this war, and analyzes her sad defeat and ultimate rebirth out of one of the darkest periods in history. The paper also has a brief summary of Japanesehistory from the 1970's to the present day.
From the Paper "The Japanese archipelago was first inhabited more than 100,000 years ago, when it still comprised part of the continental Asian land mass. Archaeological discoveries indicate that the ancient people of this time (The Old Stone Age or Paleolithic Age) survived on a very basic diet provided through daily hunting and gathering. The New Stone, or Neolithic age, dating at 10,000 years BC, is characterized by the manufacture of refined stone implements, the development of advanced hunting techniques using bows and arrows, and the production of earthenware containers for cooking and storing food. This age ushered in the Jomon period (around 8000 to 300 BC) so named after the jomon (cord-marked) style of pottery which originated during this time. Agriculture, primarily rice planting, and metalworking techniques were introduced from mainland Asia around 300 BC, towards the end of the period. The native peoples of Japan now began incorporating farming tools, metal weapons and bronze swords, and mirrors into their daily life and culture. The new machinery helped increase agricultural production, mirrors were used in religious rituals, and the newfound weapons helped settle any domestic disputes between rival Japanese tribes."
This is a comparative paper between the Russian Mafia and the Japanese Yakuza and includes the topics of how each is organized, the methods used, and their respective histories.
Abstract This paper discusses the many similarities and few differences between the Russian Mafia and the Japanese Yakuza. Specifically, the paper looks at how each is organized, the methods each employs, and the respective histories of each organization. In so doing, the paper ultimately argues that the chief differences between the two organizations are twofold: the Russian Mafia, for historical and cultural reasons, is even more powerful than its Japanese counterpart because of its close ties to the Russian state, and the Russian Mafia is even more brutal in its methods than the Yakuza - or most anyone else. In the final analysis, Robert I. Friedman and other close observers are not wrong to view the "Red Mafiya" with trepidation and dread.
Outline:
Introduction
How the Japanese Yakuza is Organized
How the Russian Mafia is Organized
The Methods Employed by the Japanese Yakuza
The Methods Employed by the Russian Mafia
History of the Japanese Yakuza
History of the Russian Mafia
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Russian Mafia has been around at least as long as its Yakuza counterpart. James O. Finckenauer writes that stealing the Czar's timber was not considered criminal during much of modern Russian history and professional criminals in the early years of the twentieth century conspired with Marxist political revolutionaries to overthrow first the Czar and then the short-lived revolutionary government that followed. While it is not clear, it appears as though the modern-day Russian Mafia was shaped by the exigencies of the Soviet-era Communist economy - an economy that often failed to provide adequately for its citizens. As a result, a 'shadow' economy sprang up, and it was one in which a criminal entrepreneurial class able to operate outside the law found the perfect climate in which to flourish."
Tags: organized crime, methods history culture brutality observations
Abstract This paper examines the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II by comparing this action with the freedom experienced by German-Americans during the same period. The author questions the inherent racism of Americans that enabled such an occurrence to be legally sanctioned, while German-Americans lived their lives freely, although Hitler and Germany were also enemies of America during World War II. The paper then presents a detailed background of the Japanese immigrant experience in America, contrasting this with the American ideal of freedom and the reality of racism. The experiences of African and Native-Americans are also considered. The paper then describes the actual Japanese internment, which was unprecedented event in American history. The paper further states how the Internment still has an effect on the psyche of the Japanese-American population today. The author concludes that the internment of Japanese-Americans during the Second World War was one of the great tragedies of American history.
Outline:
Introduction
Background: The Japanese Experience in America
Prejudice Unleashed: The Internment Experience
Conclusion
From the Paper " Naturally, the situation was worse the further removed from the Anglo-Saxon ideal a group might chance to be. After the Civil War, the newly reunited nation demanded a huge supply of cheap labor to build its rapidly expanding railroad network. In the West, this labor was provided, to a large extent, by settlers from Japan and China. Labor Contractors, generally Japanese or Chinese themselves actively recruited these workers and brought them to America. They helped to lay the foundations of America's industrial prosperity. White American racial attitudes combined with a nationwide railroad strike in 1877 to create the necessary conditions for a crackdown on Asian immigration. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was soon followed by other, stricter acts, in 1892, 1902, and 1904. And as White America saw little, if any difference, between Japanese and any other Asians, the anti-Chinese immigration laws were followed by a Japanese Exclusion Act in 1907. By 1924, the United States had imposed an almost total ban on all immigration from East Asia, ..."
Tags:Japanese-Americans, internment, World, War, II, immigrant, experiences
Abstract This paper examines the early history of Shinto and its basic philosophy, the advent of Buddhism in Japan and its consolidation, and the significance of the two religions in Japanesehistory and culture. It focuses on how Shinto and Buddhism have effected history, culture, society and even politics in Japanese society.
Table of Contents:
Shinto
Origin
The Shinto Philosophy
Early Shinto History Buddhism in Japan
Origin and Early Development of Buddhism
Adapting to Local Cultures
Introduction of Buddhism in Japan
Consolidation of Buddhism in Japan
Influence of Buddhism and Shinto on Japanese Culture
Conclusion
From the Paper "Perhaps the most telling contribution of Buddhism on Japanese society was that it provided an intellectual stimulus to the Japanese people who were forced to think more profoundly about the problems of life. This stimulus also helped to lift Japan's native religion, Shinto, from the level of an animistic cult to a proper religion. For example, it was only in reaction to the sophistication of the Buddhism and its scriptures that the existing Japanese myths and legends were compiled into written record."
Abstract These responses discuss early Japanese-Chinese relations, the influence of Buddhism on Japanese culture, and the role and history of the samurai in Japanese society.
Abstract This paper examines the ethnography of the Japanese Geisha. Additionally, it highlights many subtopics of the Geisha culture such as history and training, customers and skills, fashion, and modern-day and western influences. The paper includes an annotated bibliography with descriptions of sources used.
History of the Geisha Culture
Becoming a Geisha
Geisha Talents and Those Who Enjoy Them
Geisha Appearance
Modern-Day Geisha and Western Influence
Conclusion
From the Paper "Geisha hair, Geisha makeup, Geisha grace: Geisha is a pleasing profession envied by women and adored by men. She is a living work of art; a doll adorned in satins and silks. Her entrance anywhere has movie star status and everyone wishes to be a part of her world: the flower and willow world. The Geisha profession is a time-honored tradition that has gradually changed into its own intricate culture. In this essay, I will explore the various complexities and mysteries of the Geisha culture by addressing the following areas: Geisha history, training, talents and customers, traditional dress, and Geisha in the modern world. I will clarify any misconceptions one may have about this beautiful and mysterious culture."
Tags: ancient, culture, ethnographic, ethnography, geisha, japan, japanese
Abstract This essay is a discussion of how great a role coercion played in the enforcement of Japanese imperialism in Asia. The paper focuses on the Japanese occupation of Korea, while also alluding to other areas that the Japanese controlled. Various examples of coercion are presented and discussed at length.
From the Paper "In the course of Japanese imperialism, the Japanese used coercion extensively to maintain their rule, but also employed some other methods at times. Their coercive policies were often harsh and brutal, with the Japanese authorities refusing to relent until their goals had been reached. In certain instances, however, they allowed their subjects to have some level of choice in matters like education and employment. In response to the Korean Independence Movement that developed after World War I, for example, the Japanese appeared to "return to the Koreans a modicum of personal choice" and allowed them to publish their own newspapers, create their own schools, and to be employed in the government (Kang, 15). Such concessions certainly existed outside the realm of coercive policies, even though they were somewhat cosmetic in nature. The people were still often subjected to the same horrid treatment and the same unreasonable regulations that they had become familiar with from the coercive rule of the Japanese, but there were glimpses of light that shone through the dark cloud of Japanese rule."
Abstract This paper will discuss the different facets of the Heian period of Japanesehistory and show how they developed within the context of the times. The Buddhist sect will be covered especially because of their great influence on the culture from the political aspect to the economic. All these will be covered in describing the Heian Period of religion within the realms of JapaneseHistory.
Abstract This paper looks at women's role in Japan's modern era development. Their presence and influence is shown by looking outside the events of conventional historical record. The powerful political influence of ruling class women in ancient Japanese society is looked at. The Edo period is seen as the era that forced women to be subordinate and the influence of the West the factor which began to open Japanese women to participation in social spheres once more.
From the Paper "Studies of Japan's modern era development emphasize its industry, bureaucracy and military, focusing on the political, merchant and capitalist elite and ignoring those upon whom the major costs of development was imposed, particularly women. Japan's modernization came at a social cost borne by the poor, the disadvantaged and women (Hane, 1982). Although their contribution has typically been marginalized, women contributed significantly to the development process in many ways.
Japanese women had an essential role in the domestic sphere and in the economy, but their influence and contributions did not move them toward sexual and legal equality, as was the case for women in the west. This was primarily due to the social and legal conservative imperatives relegating women to the lowest status of every class strata; however, their presence and influence may be seen by taking a larger, and peripheral, view outside the events of conventional historical record."
Tags:Japanese, subordinate, submissive, society, meiji, edo, buddhist
Abstract This paper examines the influence of Hishikawa Moronobu on Japanese art before 1952. The paper shows how it is evident that down through the long centuries of Japanesehistory, the dialectical tension in Japanese society and culture between the competing traditions of high aesthetics and the military code has been expressed in thousands of paintings, books and works of art. The paper explains how at times, high aesthetics assumed greater social influence, while at other times, the militaristic tradition was dominant.
From the Paper "The artistic aesthetics of Japan developed down through the centuries in a uniquely Japanese fashion, partly because of this isolated nation's geographic existence as a string of islands about one-hundred miles from the peninsula of Korea and five-hundred miles from China on the Asian mainland."
Abstract This is an extensive paper detailing the development of the self in Japanese literature in the form of the I-novel. Attention is paid to history and background as well as examples of the I-novel genre.
From the Paper "The I-novel, shish"setsu or watakushi sh"setsuI is a type of modern Japanese fiction that relies on "self-directed" narration, usually with the author as the central character. It is best described as autobiographical or personal fiction. The narration may be in first or third person and is typically devoid of such structural elements as plot, characterization, and dramatic tension. Although loosely described as "novels," shish?setsu may range in length from brief stories to massive works of 500 pages or more."
