Japanese History

Japanese History

Japan , as a nation , is a continually changing society . Ever since

western nations became involved with Japan , it 's 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 for them

However , they were soon willing to accept the concepts and ideas from

abroad .9 The Us helped Japan and showed them many new things to help them

get on their feet again . We explained to them about the electric telegraph

and soon after we even connected them with California 's telegraphs .10 Many

Japanese women started to wear western dresses or even sweaters and

slacks .11 Japan changed politically as well . Japan became divided up into

47 prefectures , which are similar to American states . Japan has carried

over America 's democratic ideas of social freedom , economic independence

and democratic liberties and privileges Japan 's government soon began the

executive , legislative , and judicial branches seen in America seen after

the war .13 These changes all became possible soon after the war with great

financial aid from the Us .14 Japan 's progress in America 's modernization

program was so fast , we had to begin recognizing Japan as a world power .15

After Japan 's modernization program , Japanese life began to change

less dramatically , but never stopped . Within recent times , many western-

style appliances and such can be found in Japanese homes .16 The Japanese

schools , based on America 's , teach the same things in grade school as

American schools .17 Many of the students are learning in these schools to

take English language courses to...