DEPARTMENT OF EAST ASIAN STUDIES

UNIVERSITY OF DELHI

ASSIGNMENT
“MODERN JAPAN 1868- 1945”

SUBJECT: EA101, HISTORY OF EAST ASIA(JAPAN)

SEMESTER 1

SUBMITTED TO:
PROF. RAJIV RANJAN

SUBMITTED BY:
SANJANA BRAHMA

DATE OF SUBMISSION: MARCH 25,2023

Topic – Modern Japan 1868-1945

INTRODUCTION-

The history of Imperial Japan, from the Meiji Restoration through defeat and occupation
at the end of WWII, is critical to understanding how modern Japan has formed and will
continue to develop in the future. This comprehensive, up-to-date view of Japanese
history from 1868 to 1945 includes both a narrative and an analysis. It contradicts
commonly held beliefs about the uniqueness of Japanese history and the homogeneity of
Japanese society by describing the tremendous changes that occurred in Japanese
political, economic, and social life throughout this era. Japan had just undergone an
internal transformation that resulted in a reorganization of its political, economic, and
social institutions. As a result of these developments, Japan rose from being one of the
world's weakest nations to being a power by the end of the nineteenth century. These
conquests had far-reaching and ultimately fatal consequences for the majority of East
and Southeast Asia, including Japan.
MEIJI PERIORD (1868-1912)
➢ The Meiji Era, often known as the Meiji Period, was a period of enormous
transformation in Japanese society. It marked the end of the Japanese feudal
system and completely restructured Japan's social, economic, and military reality
of life in Japan.
➢ The Meiji Era began when a group of daimyo lords from Satsuma and Choshu in
Japan's far south came together to overthrow the Tokugawa shogun and restore
political authority to the emperor. In Japan, this upheaval is known as the Meiji
Restoration.
➢ The modernization of the Japanese economy was one of the most significant
events of the Meiji Period. This entailed the use of new technology and concepts,
such as railroads and steamboats, as well as the establishment of a powerful
banking and commercial sector. This modernization process contributed to
Japan's increased economic growth and prosperity, as well as the creation of a
new and vibrant society.

SOCIAL & POLITICAL CHANGES:

− In 1868, the Council of State was founded as the highest governmental authority,
and Meiji leaders dominated its top positions. This council's structure was altered
in 1869 and again in 1871.
− Later in 1871 it was replaced by a tripartite set of ministries of the Center, Left,
and Right, further subdivided into various functional ministries (Finance,
Foreign Affairs, Public Works, and Home Affairs). A system of civil service
examinations was also introduced in 1887.
− One of the newest departures of the revolutionary years of early Meiji was the
decision to put the emperor at the very center of the political order. The emperor
and empress were given increasing symbolic weight by the government. The
emperor's legal and cultural authority were considerably enhanced by the
constitution. The imperial institution became an all-too-powerful unifying factor
from the 1880s through the 1930s.

➢ The removal of the status system, the second big reform of early Meiji, was even
more spectacular and came at a higher cost. The samurai's economic privileges
were completely abolished by 1876, less than a decade after the restoration coup.
The government limited the huge number of samurai levels to two in 1869:
higher samurai (shizoku) and lower samurai (shizoku) (sotsu). A considerable
number of inferior samurai were reclassified as commoners (heimin), though
 they kept their stipends for the time being. The government declared that
stipends will be taxed in 1873. The elimination of statutory constraints on the
rest of the populace was the other side of the abolition of samurai privilege.

− In theory, this is equated to social liberty. All non-samurai were legally

categorized as commoners in 1870 (heimin). With a few significant exceptions
based on gender, the Tokugawa era's limits on modes of transportation, dress,
and hairdo were removed. Occupation restrictions have been eliminated. Legal
discrimination against Tokugawa's hereditary outcastes, such as the eta and
hinin, was prohibited. Meiji officials believed that the military needed to be
rebuilt from the ground up even before the samurai were totally dispossessed.

− In addition to this leveling of society, Japan also adopted many western customs
during this time. Men and women abandoned silk kimono and began to wear
Western-style suits and dresses. Former samurai had to cut off their topknots,
and women wore their hair in fashionable bobs.

ECONOMIC CHANGES:
➢ During the Meiji Era, Japan industrialized with incredible speed. In a country
where just a few decades earlier, merchants and manufacturers were considered
the lowest class of society, suddenly titans of industry were forming huge
corporations that produced iron, steel, ships, railroads, and other heavy
industrial goods. Within the reign of the Meiji Emperor, Japan went from a
sleepy, agrarian country to an up-and-coming industrial giant.

➢ Policymakers and ordinary Japanese people alike felt that this was essential for
Japan's survival, as the western imperial powers of the time were bullying and
annexing formerly strong kingdoms and empires all over Asia. Japan would not
only build up its economy and its military capacity well enough to avoid being
colonized - but it would also become a major imperial power itself in the decades
following the Meiji Emperor's death.

MILITARY:
 − Under the Meiji Emperor, Japan established western-style military academies to
train a whole new type of soldier.
− Japan's military reform during the Meiji Era raised it to the status of major world
power. Japan would overcome the Chinese in the First Sino-Japanese War in
1894-95 with battleships, mortars, and machine guns, and then stun Europe by
defeating the Russians in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05. During the next
four decades, Japan would continue an increasingly military course.

CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL CHANGES:

➢ The Japanese government was also committed to improving the quality of life for
all Japanese. At time of Meiji takeover, 50 percent of boys and 15 percent of girls
could read and write, by 1908 primary education was universal and many
Japanese children of both sexes could read and write.
➢ The Meiji Period also resulted in the revival of traditional Imperial art forms such
as waka and haiku poetry and nurtured an interest in Western painting and
sculpture. Japanese culture also made its way west. Westerners were excited
about buying silks and porcelain in the 1880s. Artist like Van Gogh and Gauguin
were inspired by Japanese art.
➢ The system also encouraged the growth of important national institutions.
Thousands of schools tied to temples, government offices, and private scholars
gave Japan a literacy rate of perhaps 40 percent for boys and 10 percent for girls
in the early 1800s, ranking it near the top of the world.
➢ The Meiji Period came to an end in 1912, when Emperor Meiji died and his son,
Emperor Taish, stepped down. The Meiji Era (1868-1912) in Japan was a time of
great development and progress.

TAISHO PERIOD (1912-1925)

 − The Taisho period started on 30 July 1912 and ended on 25 December 1926. The
period indicates the reign of Emperor Taisho. The Taisho Period is also known as
the Taisho Democracy.
− The Taishō Period saw a rise in the power and influence of political parties,
contrasting with the Meiji Period and militarism of the Shōwa Period. This was
due to the increasing hunger for colonies and the occupation of Korea and
Taiwan by the emperor, which shifted most governing power from the imperial
court and elder statesmen to the Diet (kokkai).

THE FIRST WORLD WAR

o The First World War occurred during the Taisho Era. During World War I,
Japan, which fought on behalf of the victorious Allies, was able to expand its
territory in Asia and the North Pacific. Japan declared war on Germany on
August 23, 1914, and immediately seized German-leased rule in Shandong,
China, Mariana, Caroline, and the Marshall Islands.
o After the Imperial Russian government’s fall in 1917 after the Bolshevik
Revolution, Japan’s power in Asia increased. To confiscate the opportunity, the
Japanese army planned to be worth Siberia west of Lake Baikal. To do this, Japan
had to negotiate with China to allow Japanese troops to transport through the
Chinese reign.
o After WW1, Japan's economic situation worsened. The Great Kanto Earthquake
of 1923 and the worldwide depression of 1929 intensified the crisis.

JAPANESE RESPONSE:
o Japan experienced unprecedented richness during the postwar period. Japan
attended the Paris Peace Conference in 1919 and was formally recognized as one
of the world's major military and industrial powers, as well as one of the new
international order's "Big Five" countries.
o The goals announced by the Japanese Communist Party in 1923 also included the
unification of the working class. As a farmer, the recognition of the Soviet Union
and the withdrawal of Japanese troops from Siberia, China, Korea, and Taiwan.

SOCIAL AND POLITICAL CHANGES:

 − Democratization: The Taisho period saw the expansion of civil liberties and the
introduction of universal male suffrage, which helped to establish a more
democratic political system in Japan.
− Emergence of Labour Movements: The Taisho period saw the emergence of labor
movements as well as socialist and communist ideologies. Labor unions launched
strikes and protests to demand better working conditions and wages, which aided
in the establishment of workers' rights in Japan.
− Rise of Nationalism: The Taisho period saw a surge in nationalism, particularly
following Japan's victory in the Russo-Japanese War. Nationalist groups
propagated the idea of Japan as a superior nation and advocated for an assertive
foreign policy.
− Political Instability: Several prime ministers were assassinated throughout the
Taisho period, including Hara Takashi in 1921 and Inukai Tsuyoshi in 1932.
These assassinations were a component of a broader trend of political violence in
Japan at the time.
− Emergence of New Social Movements: The Taisho period saw the emergence of
new social movements, such as the women's suffrage movement and the
movement for the rights of Burakumin, who were considered an "untouchable"
social group in Japan. These movements helped to promote greater equality and
social justice in Japan.
− Universal male suffrage (1925): In 1925, the Japanese government introduced
universal male suffrage, which allowed all men over the age of 25 to vote. This
was a significant constitutional reform that expanded civil liberties in Japan.

ECONOMIC CHANGES:
• Industrial expansion: Throughout the Taisho period, Japan's industrial sector
expanded significantly, particularly in textiles, chemicals, and equipment. The
availability of cheap labor, greater infrastructural investment, and the adoption
of new technology spurred industry growth.
• Modernization of agriculture: Agriculture was modernized during the Taisho
period, with the introduction of new farming techniques, the use of fertilizers and
other modern inputs, and the consolidation of small farms into bigger, more
efficient enterprises.
• Transportation: During the Taisho period, Japan invested heavily in
transportation infrastructure, including new railways, roads, and ports, allowing
for the movement of goods and people around the country and facilitated
economic growth.
 • Increase in Foreign trade: Japan's foreign trade grew significantly during the
Taisho period, particularly with the United States, China, and other Asian
countries. They exported goods such as textiles, machinery, and automobiles,
while importing raw materials like oil, rubber, and iron.

CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL CHANGES:

• Westernization: Throughout the Taisho period, Japan underwent a process of
westernization, adoption of Western technologies, customs, and cultural
practices.
• Modernization of Art: Throughout the Taisho era, there was a trend towards
more contemporary and westernized art forms. This encompassed the creation of
new forms of painting, sculpture, and architecture, as well as the use of
contemporary art methods and materials.
• Growth of Consumer Culture: As Japan's middle class expanded, so did
consumer culture, with individuals seeking out new forms of entertainment and
indulging in luxury items.
• Feminism and Gender Equality: Throughout the Taisho era, women played an
increasingly important part in society, and there was a rising movement for
gender equality and women's rights.
• Education Expansion: The educational system in Japan expanded significantly
throughout the Taisho period. The number of public and private schools rapidly
rose, and more pupils obtained access to education.
• During the Taisho period, the Japanese government undertook attempts to
develop a system of universal education, with the objective of providing all
children with access to basic education.

➢ Overall, Japan saw significant change throughout the Taisho period. Civil
liberties were expanded throughout this period, as were labor and nationalist
movements, as well as important cultural and intellectual achievements. While
the period was marked by political unrest, it also contributed to Japan's
establishment as a modern industrialized nation and the creation of a more
democratic and equal society.
➢ Emperor Taisho's death in 1926 marked a significant shift in Japanese history,
leading to the rise of democracy, the growth of the middle class, and the
expansion of women's rights. This period also saw the beginning of a new era of
militarism and aggressive foreign policy, which ultimately led to World War II.
Prince Hirohito was succeeded by his son, who became Emperor Showa.
SHOWA PERIOD (1926-1989)

➢ The Showa era, the word Shōwa means "enlightened peace" lasted from
December 1926 until January 1989. It was the reign of Emperor Hirohito, son of
Emperor Taisho. Japan changed dramatically over this period. Financial crisis
and the rise of nationalism dominated the early years, which culminated in
Japan's loss in World War II. Following it, the country became a democratic
nation and saw an incredible economic comeback, becoming a prosperous,
industrialized country with one of the world's greatest economies.
➢ An economic crisis began in 1928, with falling rice and silk prices, leading to
bloody clashes between Japanese labor organizers and the police. The global
economic meltdown leading up to the Great Depression worsened conditions in
Japan, and the country's export sales collapsed. As unemployment grew, public
discontent led to the increased radicalization of citizens on both the left and the
right of the political spectrum.
➢ Japanese nationalism, which had been a key factor in Japan's rise to world power
status in the 1930s, evolved into a virulent, racist ultra-nationalist thought, which
supported a totalitarian government and the rise of fascism and Adolf Hitler's
Nazi Party in Europe.

WORLD WAR 2
→ Alliance with Germany and Italy: In 1940, Japan created the Axis forces with
Germany and Italy. The alliance was formed to fight the dominance of the Allied
powers, which included the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet
Union.
→ Pearl Harbor: On December 7, 1941, Japan conducted a surprise attack on the
United States naval facility in Hawaii, sparking the United States' entrance into
World War II. The strike was designed to damage the United States Pacific fleet,
allowing Japan to expand its territorial claims in the Pacific.
→ Atomic bombings: The United States launched atomic bombs on the Japanese
cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, killing an estimated 200,000
people and resulting to Japan's capitulation on August 15, 1945.
→ Following Japan's surrender, the Allied powers, led by the United States, seized
the country. The occupation lasted until 1952 and resulted in major political and
social changes in Japan, including the adoption of a new constitution and the
establishment of a democratic government.
The new constitution known as “the Constitution of Japan” also officially went into
effect in 1947. Until that time, Japanese people saw their emperor as God.

POLITICAL & SOCIAL CHANGES:

→ Democratization: With the passage of a new constitution in 1947, Japan became
a democracy during the Showa era. The new constitution created a parliamentary
form of government and guaranteed universal suffrage to all Japanese residents.
→ Growth of Militarism: Japan saw a surge in militarism in the early years of the
Showa period, with the military obtaining major power over the government.
This eventually led to Japan's entry into World War Two.
→ Political Parties: During the Showa period, political parties such as the Liberal
Democratic Party (LDP) emerged, which controlled Japanese politics for much of
the postwar period. The LDP was created in 1955 and has ruled for most of the
time since then.
→ Anti-War Sentiments: Throughout the Showa period, there was a growing anti-
war feeling among the Japanese people, especially in the aftermath of World War
II. This feeling was mirrored in Japan's pacifist constitution, which condemned
war and barred the country from keeping a military for purposes other than self-
defense.
→ Urbanization: During the Showa period, Japan's population shifted significantly
from rural to urban regions. This was owing to increased industry and
urbanization, notably in Tokyo.
→ Education: During the Showa period, the government invested substantially in
education, making it more widely available. This resulted in increasing literacy
rates and access to higher education.

ECONOMIC CHANGES:
→ Economic Growth: Japan saw exceptional economic development throughout the
Showa period, notably in the years after World War II. This was mostly due to
government initiatives encouraging exports and investments in technology and
infrastructure.
→ Export-Led Growth: Throughout the Showa period, Japan's economic growth was
mostly driven by exports. The government developed measures aimed at
 encouraging firms to invest in technology and infrastructure while also
encouraging exports.
→ Keiretsu System: During the Showa period, the keiretsu system emerged, which is
a type of corporate organization in which a collection of enterprises with
interlocking commercial links and shareholdings collaborates closely. The
keiretsu system aided Japan's economic growth and continues to have an impact
on Japanese industry today.
→ Technological advancement: Significant technical developments occurred during
the Showa period, notably in the fields of electronics and automobile engineering.
Japan rose to prominence in these areas, with businesses such as Sony, Toyota,
and Honda becoming household names.
→ Bubble economy: In the 1980s, the Showa period also saw the creation of a
"bubble economy," marked by rapid growth in stock and real estate values. This
resulted in a period of excessive speculation and over-investment, which
eventually led to a catastrophic economic crisis in the 1990s.

CULTURAL CHANGES:

• Architecture: Rapid economic growth resulted in establishments of a number of

modern structures and architectures, including The National Museum of Western
Art in Ueno, Tokyo, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima.
• New technologies and railways: Apart from architecture, new technologies such
as television and home appliances were also introduced to Japan. Most of all,
color television, car and air conditioning (known as “cooler” in Japan) were loved
as the three greatest home appliances known as the “3C” . Shinkansen, known as
a prime railway network in Japan, also started operating in 1964 just before the
Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games, which made it much easier to travel across the
country!
• Traditional Arts: Despite the changes brought about by Westernization and
modernization, traditional arts such as kabuki theater, Noh theater, and ikebana
(flower arrangement) continued to be practiced and revered during the Showa
period.
• Youth Culture: During the Showa period, a distinct youth culture emerged, with
young people embracing new types of dress and music. With the advent of the
"Group Sounds" music genre and the student protest movement in the 1960s and
1970s, this culture was very prominent.
 • Popular Culture: With the growth of new kinds of entertainment such Japanese
manga, anime, and video games during the Showa period, a lively popular culture
emerged. These cultural forms have contributed significantly to Japan's
worldwide identity.

CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the modern history of Japan from 1868 to 1945 was a time of significant
change and development for the country. Despite the challenges and tragedies of this
period, modern Japan also saw significant cultural changes, including the emergence of
a vibrant popular culture, the development of new forms of literature, and the
preservation and continuation of traditional arts. Today, Japan is a global cultural
influencer as well as one of the world's top economies. The legacy of the modern period
continues to impact Japanese society and culture, while also teaching and informing
the rest of the globe.