Fukuzawa Yukichi: The Consequences Of Imperialism

The Consequences of Imperialism
Encounters between two different cultures always bring about many changes, whether the implications of such are large or small. Although the textbooks we read may list these changes, it is impossible to clearly comprehend the impact of such changes unless we read a first-person account of the transitions that took place as a result of such encounters. By reading excerpts from the autobiography of Fukuzawa Yukichi, we are given a very special view of how these changes affected the culture, thinking, and practices of the Japanese following the introduction of both Dutch and American powers within Japan. By viewing the event through the eyes of one who experienced it, we are presented with a far greater understanding of the element of change that pervaded mid to late 1860s Japan.
Perhaps most visibly significant among the changes brought between the encounter of Western cultures with the Japanese are the changes of everyday practices. We are given a clear view of this at the introduction of Fukuzawa's
During his childhood, Fukuzawa was more and more being influenced by the ways of thinking that began to spread around his native Japan from outside sources. An amusing story arises from Fukuzawa's actions against his lords, in which he tramples charms that were meant for good luck. Another incident catches him replacing ‘sacred stones' within shrines around his area (142). On his own account, Fukuzawa demystified long-held beliefs within Japan, a precursor of many other changes to arise. However, alterations in beliefs were not strictly faith-based. In his school address, Fukuzawa states, "As long as this school stands, Japan remains a civilized nation of the world." (191) The changing environment of Japan was largely responsible by the Western powers, and Fukuzawa was fully aware of this fact, giving it much credit for Japan's current