East Asian Perception of the West

The Meiji transformation describes the deviation of Japan from its Asiatic political thoughts and more, that undermined growth and development. Fukuzawa Yukichi, a samurai who later turned to be a scholar, discussed the imminent shift from the traditional Japanese customs, and traditions, towards a more Westernized lifestyle. Based on his view, countries such as China, and Korea, were adamant in their position regarding their traditional social and political structure. In the same manner, Japan was also based on adoration of such a system, which was under the control of conservative oligarchs. Arguably, based on Yukichi’s message regarding East Asia and Western civilization, one can notice the desire for a paradigm shift towards what he regarded as civilization and enlightenment. Independent of Yukichi’s singular advocacy for adoption of Western ways, a considerable portion of East Asia perceived the West as a destructive force bent on overthrowing their traditional system of rule. 

There is a considerable weight of evidence demonstrating the negative perception that East Asia had of the West. The Meiji period is described as being a time when the connection between modernity and imperialism was established. During this time, education was used as a tool to prepare citizens to serve the nation and was also considered as a foundation for personal advancement (Ebrey & Walthall, 2013). Such a state of being demonstrates the gradual influence of Western ideals in Japan. Yukichi had already establish his private school, Keio University alongside other missionary learning institutions, which provided education opportunities to the residents. However, even with such advancement, the impact of traditional Japanese culture and tradition was still evident. Considering the aspect of gender, women were required to serve the state through taking the roles of wives and mothers. Consequently “Class and gender thus placed limits on equality, and the promise of social mobility concealed an economically stratified society” (Ebrey & Walthall, 2013, p. 359). This was in contrast to what Western ideals stood for. Thus, even after Yukichi’s initial attempt to promote integration of Western civilization into Japan, there was considerably resistance as the Japanese traditional ruling system was rooted deep in the society. 

Advancing the argument further, the relations between Japan and Korea are a good example demonstrating the struggle between modernity and imperialism. Notably, even among Japanese scholars, the elite group in the society, there was some level of resistance against Westernization. For instance, a Japanese legal scholar, Hozumi Yatsuka warned that “Unless the primacy of the house and the male authority of the household head were maintained in law… reverence for the ancestors, loyalty, and filial piety would perish” (Ebrey & Walthall, 2013, p. 359). This particular concern is only reflective of the fear that Western ways would undermine the traditional culture and mores upon which the Japanese identity was formed. Thus, for a scholar such as Yatsuka, adoption of Western ideals would mean discarding those customs that the Japanese society was founded on. However, this was during a time when the Civil Code of 1898 had been introduced. It sought to promote legal equality, personal ownership of property for both men and women regardless of social status, as well as individual choice (Ebrey & Walthall, 2013). Thus, this was a deviation from what conservative Japanese oligarchs advocated. Nevertheless, the Civil Code established a balance between Western norms and social stability in Japan. This particular state of being is evidence of the difficulty that Yukichi’s advocacy for adoption of Western ideals faced; it was not successful in bringing about a complete change in how the Japanese society was structured. 

Describing China and Korea, Yukichi stated that the two countries were unwise to reject Western civilization, and instead remain loyal to their customs and Asiatic political thoughts. He stated that the Chinese and Koreans “… did not know how to progress either personally or as a nation” that “While professing their abhorrence for ostentation, in reality they show their ignorance of truth and principles” (Ebrey & Walthall, 2013, p. 360). In this particular message, Yukichi explained how China and Korea were backward and could not realize the advantages of Western civilization if they did not conform like Japan. However, it is ironic as Japan itself did not adopt Western ideals in their entirety. As evidence with the Civil Code of 1898, the balance established between Western norms and social stability showed the force of Japanese culture. Moreover, during the Meiji period, Japan considered Korea a weak and backward nation, which was an easy target for Western powers. All the same, German, a western country, influenced Japan’s politics, which raises questions about the country’s resolute to protect its social and political purity. A German military adviser instigated Japan to seize control of Korea to prevent any other power from taking control over it (Ebrey & Walthall, 2013). Thus, the aim was to maintain Japan’s influence in East Asia. However, looking at China, Korea, as well as Japan itself, one can notice how these countries undermined the spread of Western influence. 

Conclusion 

Fukuzawa Yukichi had considerable impact as far as promoting the spread of Western ideals in East Asia is concerned. There were certain changes as is evident through the adoption of the Civil Code. However, one also notes that despite this change, Japan, China and Korea remained loyal to a considerable portion of their social and political ideologies. Thus, while Yukichi had hope for the penetration of Western norms, this was faced with strict opposition from a deeply-rooted Japanese society based on Asiatic political thoughts and mores. 

Reference 

Ebrey, P. B. & Walthall, A. (2013). Meiji Transformation (168-1900). In East Asia: A Cultural, Social, and Political History, Volume II: From 1600 . Cengage Learning.