Modernisation in Japan
During the Meiji Restoration, rapid modernisation took place. Japan’s relatively small size, homogeneous population and centralised government allowed it to modernise quickly. By the late 1800s it had become the strongest of the Asian countries. This had a large impact upon Japanese society and its position in the Asian region. Japan managed to adopt modern ways whilst also being able to keep its unique culture and traditions. Modernisation in religion, education, the military, economics, and politics had a significant effect on society in Japan and its position in the Asian region.
To begin with, education in Japan was modernised during the Meiji period to help adopt Western technology and philosophies, but at the same time preserve Japanese culture and traditions. To ensure the success of the modernisation process, it was realised that a universal system of education was necessary. Compulsory primary education was introduced in 1879, but it wasn’t until 1910 that universal education was achieved. This led to Japan being the first literate nation in Asia. The first textbooks in Japan were translations from American and French textbooks before education official started writing textbooks themselves. Even though Western culture was appearing in Japanese schools, they still kept Japanese ideologies and customs. Education was important in bringing the Japanese the secrets of Western power and technology, but Japans cultural heritage and the worship of the Emperor was still significant and taught in all schools.
Additionally, the leaders during the Meiji Restoration encouraged people to adopt a more modern lifestyle which lead to Japanese society to become more westernised. They did this because they recognised that the Western nations were more powerful than Asian nations and believed this was because of certain aspects of Western culture. They also thought that becoming more western would make Western nations respect Japan and not take over the country. Japanese
To begin with, education in Japan was modernised during the Meiji period to help adopt Western technology and philosophies, but at the same time preserve Japanese culture and traditions. To ensure the success of the modernisation process, it was realised that a universal system of education was necessary. Compulsory primary education was introduced in 1879, but it wasn’t until 1910 that universal education was achieved. This led to Japan being the first literate nation in Asia. The first textbooks in Japan were translations from American and French textbooks before education official started writing textbooks themselves. Even though Western culture was appearing in Japanese schools, they still kept Japanese ideologies and customs. Education was important in bringing the Japanese the secrets of Western power and technology, but Japans cultural heritage and the worship of the Emperor was still significant and taught in all schools.
Additionally, the leaders during the Meiji Restoration encouraged people to adopt a more modern lifestyle which lead to Japanese society to become more westernised. They did this because they recognised that the Western nations were more powerful than Asian nations and believed this was because of certain aspects of Western culture. They also thought that becoming more western would make Western nations respect Japan and not take over the country. Japanese