Japan's Culture Changes in the Meiji Period
By: Holly Kibbins
Japan began to experience many cultural changes after the new leader, Emporer Meiji took over and began a new period commonly known as the Meiji period.
Westernization began to influence Japan as Commodore Perry introduced Japan to new inventions such as the telegraph and the steam train. Also European countries introduced Japan to Western ways of life and dress. Japanese military were ordered to wear Western-style uniforms and men were strongly encouraged to swap their traditional kimonos for trousers. It was common to see someone in a city wearing a kimono and Western shoes or an obi with spectacles and an umbrella. The changes in dress mostly within retired vetrans returning from service and youth that had gone to the city. It took a long time to penetrate the country, though because there were little reasons to change.
Foreign books and magazines soon became available to the Japanese and daily newspapers were published so the citizens could learn about changes in Japanese society and the papers urged the citizens to adopt the "new and improved" ideas.
Japanese traditional crafts also affected the West as the latest trend "Japanisme" was born. Many Westerners wanted Japanese traditional crafts for their homes and businesses. At great international exhibits, Japan displayed its traditional arts and crafts. Japanese woodblock art was popular and and woodblock prints could be mass produced. Japanese art was affected by events taking place in the West and the use of Western advisors that were hired and thus created individualism. Keep in mind, Japan remained a unique culture and the Japanese were proud.
Within art, the discussion of works increased and also the re-evaluation of works from the past. There were noticable trends in the works of art displayed and those trends reflected the citizens' taste.
The state religion changed in the Meiji period from Buddhism to Shintoism. The Meiji leaders believed that a common religion would greater unify and purify the country because Shinto was Japanese, afterall. The government was hoping that the citizens would discard Buddhism and Confucianism. However, Buddhism and Confucianism were still being taught in the military and in schools. Eventually, the government had to allow Shinto as a religion.
Today, Japan remains a unique and interesting culture.
Japan began to experience many cultural changes after the new leader, Emporer Meiji took over and began a new period commonly known as the Meiji period.
Westernization began to influence Japan as Commodore Perry introduced Japan to new inventions such as the telegraph and the steam train. Also European countries introduced Japan to Western ways of life and dress. Japanese military were ordered to wear Western-style uniforms and men were strongly encouraged to swap their traditional kimonos for trousers. It was common to see someone in a city wearing a kimono and Western shoes or an obi with spectacles and an umbrella. The changes in dress mostly within retired vetrans returning from service and youth that had gone to the city. It took a long time to penetrate the country, though because there were little reasons to change.
Foreign books and magazines soon became available to the Japanese and daily newspapers were published so the citizens could learn about changes in Japanese society and the papers urged the citizens to adopt the "new and improved" ideas.
Japanese traditional crafts also affected the West as the latest trend "Japanisme" was born. Many Westerners wanted Japanese traditional crafts for their homes and businesses. At great international exhibits, Japan displayed its traditional arts and crafts. Japanese woodblock art was popular and and woodblock prints could be mass produced. Japanese art was affected by events taking place in the West and the use of Western advisors that were hired and thus created individualism. Keep in mind, Japan remained a unique culture and the Japanese were proud.
Within art, the discussion of works increased and also the re-evaluation of works from the past. There were noticable trends in the works of art displayed and those trends reflected the citizens' taste.
The state religion changed in the Meiji period from Buddhism to Shintoism. The Meiji leaders believed that a common religion would greater unify and purify the country because Shinto was Japanese, afterall. The government was hoping that the citizens would discard Buddhism and Confucianism. However, Buddhism and Confucianism were still being taught in the military and in schools. Eventually, the government had to allow Shinto as a religion.
Today, Japan remains a unique and interesting culture.