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Meiji Japan, 2002.
A discussion of the "balance" of continuity and change in the social order of Meiji Japan.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, $ 44.95
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Abstract
It is a commonplace of history to observe that all ages are periods of transition, for history is characterized by continual change in human affairs. The Meiji Restoration of late 19th century Japan was such a transitional moment, for in a brief span of time the society, culture, economic and political order of Japan experienced a fundamental restructuring from a pre-Restoration society that was akin to the feudalism of medieval Europe, into a modern industrial nation state. A superficial reading of the history of this era would emphasize the extensiv and pervasive, changes Japan underwent in its social order during the late 19th century and give little attention to the elements of continuity which carried over from the pre-Restoration era. This paper will argue that, while it is impossible to characterize the elements of discontinuity and continuity in the society of Meiji Japan as being in "balance", given the rapid and radical nature of change in the country at this time, nonetheless an understanding of the history of Meiji Japan requires an appreciation of the elements of continuity in Japanese culture.
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Japan's Meiji Transformation, 2007.
An analysis and comparison of Japan's Meiji transformation and the British industrial revolution.
4,849 words (approx. 19.4 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 123.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses on the industrial revolution of Britain. It then concentrates on the development of Japan, particularly its industrial development, that took place during the Meiji period. It discusses, in less detail, some of the many other changes that also took place during this time. The paper concludes that it is difficult to compare the revolutions in Britain and Japan due to the vast differences between the situations of each country at the time.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Analysis
The Changes During the Industrial Revolution and the Meiji
Mechanization in Britain and Modernization in Japan
Organization and Nature and People
The Era of Industrial Revolution
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Comparatively, the Meiji revolution was only the beginning of industrialization in Japan. The main objective was not industrialization but a change of society and a national effort to catch up with the European powers. It was also an attempt to reform society so that wishes of the people could be accepted more and the state was not ruled by the desires of only a group of people. The great success of the Meiji was in the establishment of education, legal system, property rights, commerce and infrastructure. (Meiji Japan, 1868-1911: Government's Role in Economic Growth and Rise of Mitsui Zaibatsu) Thus the Meiji movement was probably an action in a much wider sphere than the Industrial Revolution. It is however difficult to say whether it was as great a success in terms of achievement as the Industrial Revolution. Whether the nature of Japan changed can only be discussed with the discussion of the Second World War."
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Modern Japan and The Meiji Restoration, 2002.
Depicts the effects that the Meiji restoration had on Japanese propaganda in WWII.
1,615 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
The Meiji Revolution, which came about at the end of the nineteenth century, toppled the Tokugawa shogunate, "restored" imperial rule and transformed Japan from a feudal into a modern state. This paper examines how the ambiguous constitutional structure, military orientation and nationalist ideology bequeathed by the Meiji Restoration led Japan to military disaster in WWII. It shows how racist Meiji ideology affected the propaganda put out by the Japanese during the war. The paper contains illustrations.
From the Paper
"The Japanese created a copycat theory that meant they adapted to the western industrialization. However, they had a hidden agenda to create a more superior power than the west. All they would do is innovate and mutate the capitalist ideology. While this was happening the Japanese would become more anti west and have more of a feeling of moral superiority. A new world order would show where they belonged in the world and how they would become greater."
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Women in the Meiji and Taisho Periods in Japan, 2004.
Looks at the greater degree of freedom Japanese women had during the Meiji and Taisho periods in Japan.
1,033 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper is about the increase in freedom Japanese women experienced during the Meiji and Taisho periods in Japan and the subsequently greater role they had in both the family and the political life of the country. The paper explains how, unwittingly, the Samurai revolution contributed to women's greater liberation and how the combination of increased urbanization along with a higher degree of mobility tended to loosen the traditional strictures on women?s physical and social mobility. The paper also points out how the increase in a Japanese middle-class after the Samurai revolution and their corresponding demands for more rights also contributed to greater freedoms for women. The paper makes it clear, however, that the status of Japanese women during this period was never close to being equal to that of Japanese men, but their social and political gains were significant.
From the Paper
"The Meiji period, as Gordon outlines in Chapter Five, ?The Samurai Revolution?, began with a political revolution that returned the country to direct imperial rule under the Emperor Meiji and brought to an end the era of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The emperor took advantage of the restoration of his power to try to push Japan towards the West and to introduce Western concepts of modernization. The effect ? over the period of Meiji rule from 1868?1912 included the rise of a much larger and more powerful middle class in Japan. This came about in no small way because the samurai who lead the restoration understood that their own rising power ? as well as that of the imperial house ? was dependent upon the diminishment of power by the feudal lords."
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Meiji Restoration and the Charter Oath, 2007.
An analysis of the success of the Meiji Restoration in Japan in relation to the Charter Oath of 1868.
1,437 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the Meiji Restoration in Japan, from 1868 to 1912. It describes the events leading to the Meiji Restoration, the events themselves and the changes that happened during the period. It discusses them with relation to the Charter Oath of 1868 and analyzes whether the restoration was a success or not. It looks at the success in terms of the establishment of a democratically-elected government, the elimination of discriminatory class status, disparaging customs and traditions and the establishment of a universal education system.
From the Paper
"The waning days of the Tokugawa reign was witnessed by the clan's inability to implement reforms needed to face the requirements of the industrial and the overwhelming pressure of Western nations to open up the country to international trade and industry. Aside from the aforementioned problems, the Tokugawa clan was also being challenged by various other clans and a coup was the final straw that broke the Tokugawa's back. "The Satcho-Dohi coalition of the 1860s carried out this supposed feudal coup from below. The coalition was between the four tozama fiefs of Satsuma, Choshu, Tosa and Hizen, the four strongest principalities of the southwest. (The Meiji Restoration, 1999)" Eventually, the last shogun of Japan, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, capitulated in the late 1800s and handed over the rule of the country to a young emperor of the Meiji clan, Mutsuhito. Mutsuhito took over as emperor upon his father's death in 1867 - Emperor Komei left a troubled nation needing reforms to his then 15 year-old son."
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Japanese History 1800 - 1900, 2006.
A discussion of Natsume Soseki's novels which focus on Japanese history during the era of Emperor Meiji.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 2 sources, $ 89.95
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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.
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Japanese Emperor Hirohito, 2005.
This paper discusses the reign of Japanese Emperor Hirohito and Japan's rise as a colonial power, which predates his reign.
2,225 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the reign of Emperor Hirohito, from 1926 to 1989, was designated Showa, or "Enlightened Peace"; this period includes World War II but historians disagree on the degree to which Hirohito supported Japan's expansionist policies from 1931 to World War II. The author points out that, on Jan. 1, 1946, Hirohito repudiated the traditional quasi-divine status of Japan's emperors and, under the nation's new constitution, drafted by U.S. occupation authorities, Japan became a constitutional monarchy with sovereignty resided in the people, not in the emperor, whose powers were severely curtailed. The paper relates the political issues during the Showa period and the prior era in which Japan rejected Western colonization.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Showa Period
Political Developments
Japan's Rise as a Colonial Power
From the Paper
"Hosokawa initiated political reform, including limitations on campaign contributions and a change in the Japanese electoral system from multiple-member to single-member districts. He achieved some success in limiting contributions and managed to pass a modified elections package that included the creation of 300 single-member constituencies. Opposition within his coalition to tax reform and accusations of his own involvement in the Miyazawa-era scandal forced his resignation in April 1994. Hosokawa's successor lasted a mere two months."
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Japan's Modern Myths, 2007.
This paper discusses Japan as viewed in 'Japan's Modern Myths: Ideology in the Late Meiji Period' by Carol Gluck.
849 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer discusses Professor Carol Gluck's views regarding Japan as portrayed in Chapter 5 and 6 of 'Japan's Modern Myths: Ideology in the Late Meiji Period'. The writer points out that Professor Gluck argues that Japanese society was and is a society founded upon the values of the collective, rather than upon the individual. Further, the writer notes that her view of Japanese civic virtues is extremely broad and suggests that on every level of public and personal morality, the nation is given greater value than the lives of its citizens. The writer then discusses that, in Chapter 6, Gluck paints the period as a constant struggle between the forces of nationalism and collectivism versus the "social fever" for modernity, or Westernization, that is still present and, in Gluck's opinion, was a natural, human impulse in contrast to the expressed will of the state.
From the Paper
"Gluck suggests that the Meiji policies of the late 19th and early 20th century Japanese government leading up to World War II made civil obedience and national sacrifice a religious calling. Gluck's views of the causes of World War II thus take on a very socially deterministic cast. In her view, because the Emperor was divine, everything he did and was done in the name of Japan was seen as right and just. In terms of Japanese religion, although Gluck argues that although it might seem Buddhism had had a strong religious presence in Japanese morality, she believes this should not be over-emphasized, stating that Buddhism was often perceived as a foreign religion by the state In contrast, Gluck stresses the emphasis on the indigenous Japanese religion Shinto as a state religion. She sees Shintoism, as opposed to the imported philosophy of Buddhism, to form the true philosophy of the civil cult of the state. She points out that the Shintoists continued to press their claims for the institutionalization of Shinto as a separate office of state, apart from Buddhists."
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Adolescence in 19th Century Japan, 2007.
An insight into adolescence in 19th century Japan, based on the novel, "Growing Up" by Higuchi Ichiyo.
1,382 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper provides insight into adolescence in the Meiji period of Japanese history. It uses a primary source - the novel, "Growing Up" by Higuchi Ichiyo to show how fiction of that period can give us better insight into the lives of adolescent Japanese children in Meiji Japan in the 19th century. The paper discusses the historical value of this writing.
From the Paper
"Higuchi Ichiyo's Growing Up is a portrait of youth during the Meiji period. It is a fictional account of a group of children's coming of age in the town of Yoshiwara. Yoshiwara is a lower to middle quarter with a wide breadth of characters. The characters that Ichiyo presents provide an interesting window into the life of young people in late 19th century Japan. The three characters who allow the most insight are Nobu, Midori, and Shota. Nobu is the son of a priest, Midori is the sister of a prostitute, and Shota lives with his grandmother who runs a pawn shop. Over the course of this piece of writing, the reader follows each of these youths as they struggle with the hardships of growing up and finding themselves. The historical value of this writing is that it allows one to study the maturity of children at this time and their role in society as based on class. It also shows the realities that children had to face at a young age and how much family determined ones occupation at the time. More importantly it shows the suddenness with which these life changes struck adolescents, such as the sudden movement from playing in the streets, to tending to businesses. It would be hard to imagine today, that kids between twelve and fifteen would be taking on the responsibility of priesthood, or the running of a business. It would be even harder to imagine a twelve year old girl becoming a prostitute, but this is exactly the reality that these children face. Growing Up highlights the sudden transition into adulthood that Japanese children had to make during the Meiji period."
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Modernization of Japan, 2002.
This paper explores the transformation of Japan into a modern society and culture.
1,660 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
The paper begins by discussing Japan?s long history of tradition and its structure and composition of society before modernization. The paper studies barriers that impeded the country?s entry into the modern world - the role of Japanese women, unawareness of the most important technological advances of the 20th century and arts, entertainment and the geisha culture. Next, the paper examines the Meiji era and Japan?s abrupt transformation to modernity. The paper concludes by looking at how Japan has managed to retain its traditions while becoming part of the modern world.
From the Paper
"The word ?modernize? is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary as: to make modern in appearance, style or character; to accept or adopt modern ways, ideas or style. If we utilize this definition to explain modernization, we can assume that the term refers to the application of such an action in a particular instance. At any given point in time, ?modern? pertains to the latest developments in the area of discussion.
The modernization of a culture is often a difficult undertaking; the degree of difficulty involved corresponds to the rate at which that culture has developed. One of the most incredible modernization processes in the world?s history occurred over less than half a century, in the still-enigmatic country of Japan."
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Problems of Upper Middle-Class Women in the Meiji Period, 2003.
Takes a look at how Fukuzawa Yukichi writes about the oppression of women during the Meiji period in two of his novels.
4,426 words (approx. 17.7 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 116.95
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Abstract
In this paper, two books by Japanese author Fukuzawa Yukichi, "The Waiting Years" and "The River Ki", are reviewed and discussed in terms of how they address the oppression of women during the Meiji period in Japan. The main characters of both stories are analyzed and the plots reviewed in an effort to illustrate Yukichi's beliefs about the position of women in society and his opposition to the subordination of women.
From the Paper
"Fukuzawa Yukichi?s ideas about women and their rights were unusual for his time. He wrote his essays on women during the Meiji Period, when women were still considered to be subordinate to men and were sometimes treated as mere instruments for producing children. Fukuzawa claimed that these beliefs about women were especially prevalent in the upper middle class. Although The Waiting Years, by Fumiko Enchi, and The River Ki, by Sawako Ariyoshi, were written after World War II, both focused on upper middle class women living in the Meiji period. In fact, the principal characters in both stories, Tomo and Hana, were based on the authors? maternal grandmothers, with some of the material for the books coming from information given to the authors from their mothers. Therefore, both books could be considered to be fairly accurate portraits of upper middle class women?s lives during that time period. The main characters in both works suffered because of their patriarchal society, and much of this suffering was caused by customs that Fukuzawa criticized in his writings for that very reason."
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The Meiji Restoration, 1990.
Looks at social, political and economic features of the Meiji Restoration period in Japan.
2,190 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
The structure of Japanese society has been forcibly changed on different occasions during its history. Two such instances can be found in the Meiji Restoration at the end of the nineteenth century and in the Post-War Occupation period after World War II. This paper examines the ideals and institutions of the Meiji state, established in the latter part of the nineteenth century. It discusses the social, political and economic systems which characterized the Meiji Restoration and how this structure led Japan into World War II.
From the Paper
"The Meiji period was the beginning of the development of economic life in Japan at a much more rapid pace. This was also a period of military build-up, and this build-up has been seen as the major contribution to the structure of the technological foundation for the successful industrialization that followed. The new economic order included the acquisition and dissemination of Western technologies and skills, and this same policy created a demand that was needed to assure the survival and growth of struggling private firms in important industrial fields. The rate of growth for Japan after the Meiji period was considerable even before the boom after World War II. "
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Japan's Nuclear Capabilities, 2006.
This well-researched paper examines not only whether Japan has the capability to create nuclear weapons but whether or not Japan already has these actual weapons.
6,555 words (approx. 26.2 pages), 17 sources, MLA, $ 150.95
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Abstract
This in-depth paper explores the sometimes fragile alliance between Japan and the U.S. and ponders whether or not Japan is capable, from a technical standpoint, of creating nuclear weapons. This paper delves into the possibility that Japan may already have nuclear weapons in its possession. A large number of Japanese citizens and successive governments have favored continuing the alliance with the U. S. which involves enormous reliance on American security and military power to protect Japan from attack. This paper defines article 9, the renunciation of war, of Japan's Peace Constitution. The writer also discusses the economic benefits in developing and maintaining nuclear weapons. This well-researched and informative paper considers some of the means Japan could employ to gain greater military autonomy which includes completing the development and production of advanced weapons such as the FSX fighter. This paper also discusses the various groups and parties that oppose nuclear weapons including the Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs.
From the Paper
"Considering that the huge military-industrial complex of United States is an often-criticized force in the American economy and that maintaining a similarly high level of expenditures on weapons was a critical factor leading to the economic and political failure of the former Soviet Union, many in Japan are understandably content not to have a defense industry of a comparable magnitude. But there are some Japanese willing, and even eager, to duplicate or surpass American state-of-the-art military technology. Those who wish to see Japan more independent of reliance on the American power, who believe Japan's future is dependent on an autonomous defense establishment, favor the concept of Kokusanka or, indigenization of defense production."
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Historical Status of Women in Japan, 2005.
A look at the evolving status of women in Japan from 1200 B.C. to modern times with the Meiji Restoration.
2,750 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 82.95
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Abstract
This paper demonstrates that women in Japan have not always been the fragile and submissive figures that they are thought to be. In the early days, BC and quite far into AD, Japanese women were powerful priestesses, representations of gods, and heads of households that assumed their husbands' responsibilities upon their deaths. This paper shows that it was not until the period of Tokugawa rule that women's role in society most closely resembled that of the current stereotype.
From the Paper
"Unfortunately, the political decline in female leadership was followed by a spiritual decline. From the late Nara period onward into the new eras of development, the belief systems of Buddhism and Confucianism increased in their popularity among both Japanese leaders and common people. These new faiths were able to peacefully coexist with the native faith of Shintoism. However, minor changes caused these new beliefs to subtly rival Shintoism (Beard 5). Buddhist shrines were constructed alongside Shinto shrines, and male Buddhist priests gained influence in the community (Beard 11). While the Japanese people were still loyal to their kamis and Amaterasu, these great female figures were no longer the only spiritual presences in society. As they became more commonplace amongst the landscape of religious figures, these female figures lost some of their societal authority."
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The Meiji Government's Domestic Priorities, 2002.
The relationship between domestic and foreign policies of the Meiji government.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the domestic priorities that took precedence over foreign policy interests for the Meiji government (1868-1912) in Japan. This was because, with the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the entire feudal system of Japanese government collapsed and Meiji leaders were intent on bringing Japan into the modern world.
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