Introduction
Modernization is credited with revolutionizing the practices of many nations. Japan is one of the countries that has benefited immensely as a result of it modernization initiatives. Previously, this country closed its doors to the outside world and this policy impeded progress. 1 During the Meiji era, Japan abandoned the feudalist system that had been in place in previous years as it moved towards modernism. Ito Hirobumi is recognized as a leading figure in the modernization of Japan. He served as the country’s first prime minister and instituted a number of reforms that included the introduction of a constitution that was modeled on Western ideals. 2 The modernization of Japan had far-reaching impacts on almost all aspects of Japanese society. The Japanese education system was profoundly shaped by the modernization that the country underwent. The nation’s education system is one of the aspects that were shaped significantly. This paper explores the impacts of modernization on Japan’s education and also offers a brief look at Hirobumi.
Ito Hirobumi
As noted above, Hirobumi is credited with laying the foundation for Japan’s modernization. Hirobumi played an important role in the Meiji Restoration. Among other things, the Restoration was concerned with encouraging all citizens to take part in the country’s affairs regardless of their social class and the development of natural laws which replaced the customs that had been in use in previous years. 3 The Meiji Restoration was also characterized with the adoption of democratic principles as citizens gained greater participation in the nation’s affairs. A complete overhaul of governance structures also marked the Restoration. The Shinto faith also gained prominence in state affairs as Buddhism was relegated.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Hirobumi favored a monarchist form of government and was opposed to the establishment of political parties. These views do not erode his contribution to the modernization and democratization of the Japanese society. Before Hirobumi took office, Japan adopted an isolationist policy. 4 It mainly concerned itself with domestic matters and refused to be drawn into the international stage. All this changed when Hirobumi assumed office. He developed a foreign policy that was characterized by friendly interactions with the Western world. For example, he reached out to the governments of the United States and Germany. 5 He developed particularly close and strong ties with the British government. The constitution that Japan adopted borrowed heavily from the German and British ones.
In addition to cooperation with the Western world, Hirobumi’s foreign policy was also marked by territorial expansion. He led an invasion of Korea. This invasion was followed by an annexation in 1905 where he demanded that the Korean government relinquish its authority to the Japanese government. 6 The annexation of Korea was made possible with the military muscle that Japan had gained. Apart from enabling Japan to annex Korea, the military might saw Japan gain victory against Russian and Chinese forces. 7 Hirobumi’s contribution went beyond boosting Japan’s military capacity. He also participated in reforming the country’s education. He did this by employing revolutionary techniques during his lectures.
Modernization and Japan’s education
As noted above, Japan’s education is among the aspects of the nation’s society that benefited from modernization. It has also been mentioned above that Japan borrowed heavily from Western countries. The public school system is one of the elements of Western education that Japan imported. The country sent officials to the Western world and they came back with reports that the public school system would be key to the modernization of the Japanese education system. Public education systems have been shown to facilitate mass education. 8 It is much easier to provide more members of the public with education through this system. Thanks to the public school system, millions of Japanese children gained access to education. This system was rolled out across the nation and was compulsory for all children. 9
Other than the establishment of the public education system, the Meiji period was also characterized by a flight program for Japanese students. Thousands of Japanese students were sent to Europe and the United States. 10 This program was part of the efforts by Japan to modernize its education system. The country recognized that it had not yet developed the systems and infrastructure needed to offer Western-quality education. It sent its students to Western schools in the hope that they would return and impact their society. 11 Cambridge University is one of the many Western institutions that trained Japanese students. Today, Japan’s universities rival those in the West. This highlights the successes that the nation has achieved as a result of its modernization initiative.
It has been stated in the discussion above that Japan recognized that it lacked the necessary systems and infrastructure to offer the quality of education that would rival the education offered in Western institutions. The fact that the nation brought in foreign educators from the West serves as further evidence of this. Hundreds of teachers and advisers were hired to share new ideas and knowledge with Japanese students and the larger public. 12 These advisors and teachers served in different positions. For example, William S. Clark served as the head of the Sapporo Agricultural College (present day Hokkaido University). 13 Today, Japan continues to enjoy close collaboration with Western teachers and educational institutions. This collaboration is clear indication that the modernization of Japanese education has been successful.
The modernization that Japan’s education system underwent mainly involved the introduction of new systems and the hiring of foreigners. It should be noted that the content that students were taught also changed. With modernization, Japan shifted its focus on such subjects as technology and mathematics. 14 Foreign languages were also taught at Japanese institutions. These changes have survived to date since Japanese educational institutions focus their efforts on science subjects. It is true that the Japanese government led the efforts to modernize the nation’s education system. However, it is important to recognize the role that the private sector played in the modernization process. Private individuals and organizations collaborated with the government in bringing in experts and advisors from foreign nations. 15 These experts were not required to provide education in the sense of classroom instruction. Instead, they were contracted to train locals. They shared insights on modern technologies and processes. These insights were key to the modernization of Japanese industry.
Conclusion
Today, Japan boasts of a well-developed education system. This system is composed of private and public institutions that are committed to the delivery of quality education that meet international standards. Personally, I think that the reforms that the nation undertook during the Meiji period are largely responsible for the present state of the Japanese education system. I particularly believe that the importation of Western practices has allowed Japan to emerge as a powerhouse in the provision of education. The success that Japan has witnessed points to the need for other nations to adopt the best practices that are in use in other countries. Apart from bolstering international cooperation, the adoption of these practices will allow countries to vastly improve their education systems.
Bibliography
Buxton, Ian.“Japanese Students Sent Overseas in the Meiji Era (1868-1912), Viewed 22nd October 2016 from http://www.dhs.kyutech.ac.jp/~ruxton/Japanese_Students_sent_Overseas_in_the_Meiji_Era.pdf
Cotterell, Arthur. Western Power in Asia: Its Slow Rise and Swift Fall, 1415-1999. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2011.
Duke, Benjamin C. The History of Modern Japanese Education: Constructing the National
School System, 1872-1890. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 2009.
Japan and the West: Meiji Restoration (1868-1912). Viewed 22nd October 2016 from http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/main_pop/kpct/kp_meiji.htm
Rhee, Song Nai. Beautiful as the Rainbow: Nashimoto Masako, a Japanese Princess against all Odds for Love, Life And Happiness. Bloomington, IN: Inspiring Voices, 2013.
Uslaner, Eric M. and Rothstein, Bo “The Historical Roots of Corruption: State Building, Economic Inequality and Mass Education,” Comparative Politics 48.2 (2016): 227-248.
Walthall, Anne and Steele, William M.. Politics and Society in Japan’s Meiji Restoration, 1825-1872. Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2016.
Yonezawa, Akiyoshi “Japanese Flagship Universities at a Crossroads,” Higher Education 54.4 (2007): 483-499.
