Western Influence on Japan Essay -- Geography

Western Influence on Japan Japan, as a nation, is a continually changing society. Ever since western nations became involved with Japan, its changes over recent times have increased at a substantial rate. Japan now faces cultural, economical and social differences as a result of the western involvement. The involvement was initiated by the Japanese themselves, beginning during the Meiji Period1 through current times. As time increases, Japan is slowly becoming more 'westernized' because of western involvement. Western involvement is greatly affecting Japan. Western involvement began in Japan during the late 1800's. The Meiji dynasty helped to carry it through, seeing the importance of western ideas. "Learn all you can from the Europeans and Americans"2 was what Emperor Meiji was saying to the Japanese in 1867. During this period, Japan agreed to change it's hereditary authority and class barriers between its people.3 Japan also opened their ports during this period4 and sold fuel to other countries such as the Us.5 The Japanese language took a major turn, too, with the addition of borrowed words from all over the world.6 Japan borrowed the American education system of elementary, middle school and universities during this time.7 A new western style army and universal military conscription program were soon set up by General Yamagata Autamo as well.8 The Meiji period was an important part of Japan's changing western ways. After World War II, Japan changed forever. With the Atomic bomb physically destroying their cities, and their defeat destroying their imperialistic mentalities, Japan was deeply wounded. Japan lost the respect of the world during the war and few people felt sorry f... ...R. Japan. p.113. 22 Davidson, Judith. Japan - Where East Meets West, p.107. 23 Pitts, Forrest R. Japan. p.46. 24 Davidson, Judith. Japan - Where East Meets West, p.101. 25 p.94. 26 Miller, Richard J. and Katoh, Lynn. Japan, p.57-58. 27 Greene, Carol. Enchantment of the World, Japan, p.97. 28 Pitts, Forrest R. Japan. p.78. 29 Davidson, Judith. Japan - Where East Meets West, p.48. Works Cited: Davidson, Judith. Japan - Where East Meets West. Minnesota: Dillon Press Inc., 1983. Greene, Carol. Enchantment of the World, Japan. Chicago: Regensteiner Publishing Enterprises Inc., 1983. Miller, Richard J. and Katoh, Lynn. Japan. New York: Franklyn Watts Inc., 1969. Pitts, Forrest R. Japan. Canada: Fideler Company., 1974. Reischauer, Edwin O. The United States and Japan. Massachusettes: Harvard University Press, 1965.