Message from jgonzalez

[Anonymous]

It is fascinating to learn how the Japanese adopted many times of foreign systems and then incorporate them into their culture with their own unique style. They adopted the Chinese form of central government by maintaining an emperor, but gave military power to the Shogun. They allowed Buddhism to enter their land, but continue their own native beliefs as well, leading to the syncretism of Buddhism and Shintoism. And finally they incorporated the western ideas of democracy and the industrial revolution but development them with a distinctive Japanese character. It was truly amazing to discover how quickly Japan evolved from a feudal state to an industrialized nation in such a short time span.