Modernization of Japan

Introduction The industrial revolution brought modernisation to most European countries. Most of these countries took at least 150 years to get to the level they are in today. However, some countries missed the opportunity to develop during the industrial revolution. One country that missed such an opportunity was Japan.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Modernization of Japan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This was because by the time the industrial revolution was taking root, Japan was under the Edo period of isolation and was therefore not allowed to take part in the revolution. It is surprising therefore, to note that despite Japan having been left behind while the other countries were modernising it has managed to catch up and even surpassed most of them within a short period. Although historians have varied theories for the rapid modernisation, they agree on some common things. (Gootzeit 8) One thing that w ithout doubt contributed to the rapid modernisation of Japan was its geographical location. Japan is strategically located at the edge of countries like China, which have an already developed culture. The induction of an already developed culture into Japan made the country’s modernisation phenomenal. In reality, Japanese people love importing things more than producing them. This was why Japan unlike other countries gladly welcomed Western Culture. These imported things, which include science and religion in a great way account for the rapid spread of modernisation in Japan. (U.S Library of Congress) Another thing that directly contributed to the rapid modernisation of Japan was the high importance placed on education. In the beginning of the 16th century, Catholic missionaries who came to Japan placed much emphasis on the intellectual ability of the citizens. The Sorai Ogyu and the Ching Dynasty before them had also tried introducing education through the advancement of Con fucianism. On top of the Catholic fathers’ emphasis on education and the introduction of Confucianism, the study of Buddhism and the Manyo-shu by the Nakamoto Tominanga and the Keichu dynasties respectively helped a great deal in advancing education. When the school system was introduced in Japan in 1872, it gained quick acceptance from the people. One year after the system was introduced attendance immediately rose to 28%. By the turn of the century, attendance had risen to 81.5% and 99.0% by the end of World War 1. Since the middle of the 20th century, school attendance has remained at a modest figure of 99.9%. This rapid spread of the education system helped Japan in modernising at a quick rate than other Asian countries. (Naofusa)Advertising Looking for essay on asian? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Another thing that made Japan to rush her modernisation was the fear of colonisation by Western nations, and the urge nt need to make improvements on unequal treaties with neighboring nations. At the beginning of the 20th century, Japan had solved the urgent problems and began colonising other countries in imitation of Western nations. This was done to feed her population that was growing at a fast rate. In return, this policy gave neighboring countries a hard time and prevented them from colonising Japan. By the end of the World War II, a directive had been issued that required a clear separation between the church and state. This was something that many countries had not yet been able to achieve. (Hall 19) Another thing that comes out as the reason for Japan’s rapid modernisation was the reforms brought about by the Meiji era. After the Meiji took over from the Tokugawa, they adopted a different mode of operation. Since the beginning of their rule, the Meiji leaders adopted the model of a market economy. In order to achieve this, they emulated the British and North American models of liber al enterprise capitalism. This model was quickly adopted by private sector. Immediately after this, the Meiji rulers introduced other economic reforms that included trading in yen, banking, marketable and levy laws, introducing a stock exchange, and building a strong communication network. By the year 1890, the government had succeeded in building an institutional structure that was fit to work in a capitalist economy. Afterwards, the government surrendered the modernization process to the newly created institutions. The institutions, which were highly efficient, helped in speeding up the modernisation process. During the first 20 years of the Meiji rule, the manufacturing market grew at a fast rate to match the Western technology and other large privately owned investments. By the time the World War I had ended, Japan was among the industrialized nations. This rapid spread of modernization can only be attributed to the economic reforms introduced by the Meiji rulers. (Christensen) Conclusion Japan is considered as a country that took the shortest time to modernise. While other Asian countries took almost 150 years to modernise, it took Japan only 40 years to become modern. Although there are different reasons given for the rapid modernisation, some things come out clearly as the main reasons.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Modernization of Japan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More One of this was the willingness of the Japanese people to borrow from other established cultures. Another reason for the rapid modernisation was the importance that the Catholic fathers and other dynasties accorded education. This gave rise to an established education level and led to a high enrollment rate. Lastly, the Meiji era introduced economic reforms that led to the rapid modernisation. Works Cited Christensen, Maria. The Meiji Era and the Modernization of Japan, n.d. Web. Oct 29. 2010. http://www.samurai-a rchives.com/tme.html Gootzeit, Michael. Economic Thought and Modernization in Japan. American Journal of Economics and Sociology, 1999. 1-9. Print. Hall, John. Changing Conception of the Modernization of Japan. Changing Japanese Attitudes Toward Modernization. Princeton Univ. Press, 1965. 15-19. Print. Naofusa, Hirai. Traditional Cultures and Modernization: Several Problems in the Case of Japan, 1999. Web. Oct 29. 2010. http://www2.kokugakuin.ac.jp/ijcc/wp/cimac/hirai.html U.S Library of Congress. Modernization and Industrialization, n.d. Web. Oct 29. 2010. http://countrystudies.us/japan/26.htm This essay on Modernization of Japan was written and submitted by user Myles Park to help you with your own studies. 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