Rise of Japan

Japan moved toward modernization during the Meiji period. They grasped on to a model they studied first hand and learned through history: the western model. As they moved into a more modern industrial age, the Japanese modernized and westernized in clothing, architecture and militarization. Gone are the Jpanese Yukata and in is the military uniform or western suit. Women wear less Kimono and more into a western style dress. Architecture wanders from simplistic, wooden structures and moves toward European splendor and more detailed interior design with many flourishes and curved design. The militarization includes invasion of nearby countries, destabilizing the region and using the western style of colonization to increase control, economics and resources of a region. Their need for modernization was understandable, their overzealous desire to be a western power caused more problems for the entire region and created even more animosity between Korea, China and Japan that lasts even today.