7.6. Aggressive Nationalism

Japan became an advanced industrial nation but its drive for empire led to war and defeat at the hands of the Anglo-American forces. The US Occupation marked the beginning of a more democratic political system and Japan rebuilt its economy to emerge by the 1970s as a major economic power.

Japan transitioned into a modern industrial nation by following a specific path. Despite its successful modernization, Japan's quest for an empire ultimately led to conflicts, particularly during World War II. After their defeat, the United States occupied Japan, facilitating the democratization of its political system. This occupation allowed Japan to focus on rebuilding its economy, which blossomed by the 1970s, making it a significant global economic player.

Think of Japan's journey like a student who excels in academics and extracurricular activities but becomes overambitious and faces setbacks. After reevaluating their goals and receiving mentorship (US Occupation), the student redirects their energy, channels their skills into productive avenues (building the economy), and eventually graduates with honors (becoming a major economic power).

The Japanese path to modernisation was built on capitalist principles and took place within a world dominated by Western colonialism. Japanese expansion was justified by the call to resist Western domination and liberate Asia.

Japan's modernization heavily relied on capitalist principles, which allowed for a structured industrial economy. This occurred at a time when Western powers were imposing colonial rule globally. Japan framed its expansion as a defense against Western domination, arguing that by expanding and modernizing, it would not only strengthen its own nation but also liberate fellow Asian countries from colonialism.

Imagine a neighborhood where a group of friends feels overshadowed by a more influential crowd. They decide to excel academically and athletically to empower themselves and assert their identity. Their journey becomes about not just personal success, but also about uplifting their peers who feel marginalized, paralleling Japan’s justification of its expansion.

China and Japan have had a long tradition of historical writings, as history was an important guide for the rulers. The past provided the standards by which they would be judged and the rulers established official departments to maintain records and write dynastic histories.

Both China and Japan valued historical scholarship, considering it crucial for governance and societal understanding. Historical writings not only served to document events but also to set standards for rulers, reflecting their leadership qualities and guiding future decisions. Official departments dedicated to recording events and writing histories showcased this commitment to preserving knowledge and ensuring accountability.

Think of a school where teachers keep records of student achievements and failures. These records help guide decisions on promotions and scholarships, much like how historical writings influenced rulers in China and Japan. The preservation of these records serves as a blueprint for future success and an accountability measure.

There was great respect for the written word and literary ability was highly valued. This has meant that a wide range of written materials – official histories, scholarly writings, popular literature, religious tracts – are available.

In both cultures, the esteem for written expression led to the production of diverse literature, including official records and creative works. This rich literary tradition not only fostered intellectual discussions but also made historical scholarship accessible, allowing ideas to flow between generations. The advent of printing further amplified this effect, making written works more widely distributed and acknowledged.

Consider how the internet today allows for a variety of voices to be heard. Just as social media has made diverse opinions available to many, the respect for written word in Japan and China ensured that different viewpoints and narratives could be documented and shared across society.

One of the earliest acts of the Meiji government was to establish, in 1869, a bureau to collect records and write, as it were, a victor’s version of the Meiji Restoration.

To solidify its legitimacy and narrate its triumphs post-restoration, the Meiji government established a bureau to create and collect historical records. This focus on documenting their version of history was crucial in shaping national identity and ensuring the narrative aligned with governmental goals, thereby reinforcing the new regime’s authority.

Imagine a winning sports team that documents its victories and challenges to build a strong legacy and brand. They would present their successes in a way that highlights their strength and unity, similar to how the Meiji government aimed to portray its achievements through controlled historical narratives.

Modern scholarship has built on the work of Chinese intellectuals such as Liang Qichao or Kume Kunitake, as well as earlier writings by European travellers.

Current scholars are able to draw insights from previous Chinese thinkers and historical records, as well as the accounts of early European visitors to China and Japan. This synthesis of past thoughts and experiences contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of these cultures and their evolution over time. It acknowledges the importance of both local and foreign perspectives in shaping modern scholarship.

Consider how chefs today learn from both traditional recipes passed down from their families and modern cooking techniques introduced by other cultures. This blending of influences in cooking reflects how modern scholars utilize diverse sources to enrich their understanding and narratives.

Scholarship in English from Joseph Needham’s monumental work on the history of science in Chinese civilisation or George Sansom’s on Japanese history and culture has grown and there is an immense body of sophisticated scholarship available to us today.

Joseph Needham's and George Sansom's works have significantly contributed to the understanding of East Asian historical development, especially science and culture. Their translations and writings have enriched English-speaking audiences' comprehension of these civilizations, showcasing the complexity and depth of their historical narratives.

Think of how well-known documentaries and authors shed light on lesser-known histories, broadening our global perspective. Just as these works help us learn about various cultures, Needham’s and Sansom’s scholarship deepens our understanding of East Asia's rich heritage and its contributions to human civilization.

--