August 3 - Session 1 - Pitelka - The Meiji Transition - Evaluations

Ninjas are not real? This brings me back to my childhood when I was told there was no Santa Claus. Despite the Ninjas or lack there of, I have a much better understanding of the Tokugawa period and the transition to the Meiji period. I didn't know that one of the reasons the system didn't work was because of the merchants and the fact that they kept getting wealthier. I also wasn't aware of the other social groups and their function. I can see the similarities to India's caste system. Doctor's have a unique situation in that they are able to move in and out of social classes without crossing social boundaries.

I'm interested in learning more about why Japan's modernization was so effective? The role of merchants in this also would make a good case study.

Japanese Emperor Meiji did set up a very good example for other Asian countries to follow through, even to this date. His reform reminds me of the earlier discussion of Chinese reforms, basically use the western gunpower (technology and sciences) and preserve the principles of the eastern wisdom. And Meiji seems go much farther than that. He wants to reshape the order of his Asian brothers and sisters and executes western ideologies in a "Hollywood style" action movies.

Japanese warrior's spirit is similar to that of Chinese scholarly gentry. Both love aesthetic beauties such as calligraphy, brush painting, closeness to nature, and mostly their devotion to honors. Yet they are different. The image of Japanese warrior is very powerful and romantic. No wonder one of TV programs called "Musashi" is so popular and his viewing rate is very high. Meiji indeed teaches me the importance of "leadership" and many of our students nowadays are definitely falling into love with a fictional figure such as an animate character "Konan - a detective full of witty strategic plans to defeat much more powerful figures around him. Meiji seems getting Japanese warrior's spirit himself as well. julie

Personally I am very interested in this period of time in Japanese history, the Tokugawa period. So much information, I have always been unsure of the role of the Shogun and Emperor, so very happy that Morgan cleared it up for me. I too thought that the Samurai, devoted time to his fighting methods, I found it interesting that the Samurai entered into a period where they worked regular jobs, book

The Status system used in the Tokugawa period is very similar to the Indian Caste system, and when put in that context helps to clarify the status of the members of the Japanese society for the period. Although I have known about the four primary positions, I was quite interested in the “marginal groups” the eta and the henin, no where in the text we use are these groups mentioned, so I appreciate the information for each of these groups along with the clarity on doctors and the Buddhists priest! Does that include the role of the Shinto priest????

The household vs. the individual was extremely interesting what an interesting concept…to bad this was not the case in some European cultures! The idea of the “ Good Son” rather than the oldest may have made a difference in European history! This along with the concept of estates never being divided, I wonder was their any treachery as in Europe?

Again the little knowledge I had of East Asia has been shattered…the materials I have in class stress the idea that because Japan has limited resources they were forced to seek resources outside Japan i.e. Korea and China. This afternoon I realized that lack of resources may be involved but Japan started to build a modern military show its strength because it recognized the danger they were in from the west…

Twenty years to go from a feudal society to a society with a modern military…Wow.
I appreciate the explanation that just maybe the Japanese society was not as engrained as the Chinese making it easier to change and accept that change, after all the Tokugawa period was less than 300 years old where the Chinese society was thousands of years old. A little more difficult to change.

As an educator the idea of mandatory education is always a good thing. The idea that the focus was to create a docile society subservient to the Emperor bothered me a bit. This subservient society is the “seed of totalitarian Rule”, and a militaristic society.

[Edit by="kheukrodt on Aug 3, 6:09:45 PM"][/Edit]

I really enjoyed this morning. I find the Tokugawa period highly interesting. The fact that the social classes were much like the Indian caste system is something I am going to add to both lessons.
The oligarchs being samurais and going from warrior to a desk job is something I didn't know. I find the Meiji Restoration more interesting. The things Japan initiated to compete with Europe and the US was quick and successful, at least until WWII.

Profesor Patelka’s lecture and discussion was very informative and interesting due to the depth of his lecture; I found it very interesting to learn how Japanese society developed. The movie, “The Last Samaria,” was mentioned to illustrate discrepancies and accuracies in this celebrated Hollywood movie. If Tom Cruise had actually been in Japan during the Meiji period, he would not have had easy access to the Emperor. However, the lead Shogun who was disgruntled about the loss of his place in society was also joined by other disgruntled Shoguns and the movie actually reflected an accurate portrayal of some responses to the dismantling of their status system. While teaching I have referenced this movie for other aspects, such as the drive toward modernization of Japan. I now have a few more pieces of knowledge that will enable me teach better about Japan. This is an older movie, but many students have seen it and it proves to be a good discussion starter in my classes.

Wow, Professor Patelka went through so much history and I found many more comparisons that I had not connected until now. One comparison was the Japanese political associations in the 1870s-1880s who met to discuss and create their constitution. The Philosophs in France were enlightened individuals who met in salons to discuss politics and the changes the French wanted in their governance.

Also, the Japanese were self driven to follow the lead of other European industrialized nations so that they would not become a colony of the Europeans. It only makes sense, but for some reason I have never thought of it in those terms. Mainly, I connected it with the drive for domination and the winner takes all mentality. Not realizing that the Japanese didn’t want to be victimized or run over. Yet, eventually the road led to this exact conclusion toward the end of World War II.

I enjoyed reading other posts made by other participants. Caroline's connection with the use of adopting a more suitable son to continue in a particular family's successes was most interesting. Of course, there must have been internal dramas going on according to Carolilne, but as Professor Patelko stated in his lecture today the Japanese were very good about being beligerant with someone without detection. Complements could be layered in a way to show their resentment or disagreement.

Also, Sophia wrote about the oligarchs. The development of the oligarchs in Japan was fascinating. I still wonder which family either made it on their own lineage to modern, present day Japan or who adopted their way toward success to current times. It most certainly would be interesting to find out. However how would this be possible as some Japanese have bought their lineage paperwork to show upward mobility according to Professor Patelko. I suppose the addage, that the victors write history may be applicable here.

This lecture filled a huge gap in my knowledge of the foundation of Japanese culture today. It will be tremendously useful not only for me, but I plan on sharing the powerpoint, readings and other resources with my colleagues who teach Japanese, history and english.