gradual and limited ‘opening’ to the outer world. The government launched a policy with the slogan ‘ fukoku kyohei’ (rich country, strong army). They realised that they needed to develop their economy and build a strong army, otherwise they would face the prospect of being subjugated like India. To do this they needed to create a sense of nationhood among the people, and to transform subjects into citizens.
At the same time, the new government also worked to build what they called the ‘emperor system’. (Japanese scholars use this term as the emperor was part of a system, along with the bureaucracy and the military, that exercised power.) Officials were sent to study the European monarchies on which they planned to model their own. The Emperor would be treated with reverence as he was considered a direct descendant of the Sun Goddess but he was also shown as the leader of westernisation. His birthday became a national holiday, he wore Western-style military uniforms, and edicts were issued in his name to set up modern institutions.
The Imperial Rescript on Education of urged people to pursue learning, advance public good and promote common interests. What the Japanese called ‘black ships’ (tar was used to seal the joints of the wood) are depicted in paintings and cartoons showing the strange foreigners and their habits. This became a powerful symbol of Japan’s ‘opening’. (Today, scholars would argue that Japan had not been ‘closed’, took part in the east Asian trade and had access to knowledge of the wider world both through the Dutch and the Chinese.) Perry’s ship: a Japanese woodblock print.
Commodore Perry as seen by the Japanese. ACTIVITY Contrast the encounter of the Japanese and the Aztecs with the Europeans. A new school system began to be built from the 1870s. Schooling was compulsory for boys and girls and by almost universal.
Tuition fees were minimal. The curriculum had been based on Western models but by the 1870s, while emphasising modern ideas, stress was placed on loyalty and the study of Japanese history. The ministry of education