Japanese Imperialism Essay Example

Westernization had a comprehensive economic impact on Japan, transforming it from a poor agriculture-based country ruled by feudal lords into an industrialized, urbanized modern nation with a unified monetary system using the yen introduced in 1871. As western ideas permeated society during the Meiji period, literature flourished producing influential writers like Natsume Soseki and Mori Ogai. The Tokyo art school was founded in 1876 under government encouragement for promotion of Western painting ideals.During the Meiji period, Japanese architects who had trained overseas began constructing Western-style buildings in Japan alongside a cultural evolution. The Bank of Japan and Tokyo Central station became iconic structures during this time. The popularity of western style music led to its integration into the school curriculum, with an emphasis on marches, harmonies, and opera. The emperor's public appearance in Western clothing served as encouragement for the adoption of Western ideas. By 1872, all court and official ceremonies required Western dress which later became standard formal attire. Traditional samurai top knots were replaced with western haircuts and material items such as black rolled umbrellas, gold watches, fitted tables and chairs, western calendars, and telegraphs were all introduced. Eating habits shifted with popular items like meat, bananas, beer, bread and dairy products encouraged by the emperor himself. Between 1868-1890 significant changes took place in Japan where "civilization and enlightenment" became a popular slogan driving fascination to adopt a Western approach that encompassed reforms of the military economy political system education social issues.

A school child succinctly summed up these changes stating: "If we hadn't opened the country up we'd still just be eating rice all the time."

Japan quickly gained significant power comparable to

that of Western nations in less than 50 years due to these changes. It was commonly believed that embracing all aspects of western culture, including science, technology and other areas, was necessary to be recognized as equals. Despite undergoing this significant transformation, Japan maintained its unique national identity.