Last Samurai Describes Final Days of Old Japan
Voices of the Past・18 minutes read
The speaker recounts their journey from Kyoto to Europe, navigating political turmoil and cultural transformations, ultimately advocating for modernization and the adoption of Western practices in Japan to compete internationally. They faced challenges, threats, and dangers along the way but played a crucial role in shaping Japan's shift towards openness and economic development.
Insights
- The speaker's journey from Japan to Europe and America highlighted the challenges of cultural adaptation, political turmoil, and the necessity of modernization to compete internationally.
- The transformation from traditional Samurai attire to European grooming symbolized the shift in Japan's attitude towards foreign influences, leading to the adoption of Western practices and the establishment of modern institutions like national banks.
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Recent questions
What challenges did the speaker face during their trip to Europe?
The speaker, disguised as a merchant, struggled to find suitable European-style clothing and boots in Yokohama. Despite managing to get their hair cut in European style, they faced difficulties in obtaining permission to go abroad. Once in London, they had to visit various establishments for grooming and clothing to transform their appearance. Additionally, they read about the parliament of England discussing chastising the choshu clan, prompting them to decide to return home to prevent a potential war.
How did the speaker contribute to setting an example for their nation?
The speaker, along with a few friends, managed to secure passage to Europe despite facing challenges. By getting their hair cut in European style and donning suitable clothing, they set an example for the nation in embracing Western customs. This act of transformation and adaptation to European norms showcased a willingness to engage with foreign cultures and ideas, potentially influencing others to consider the benefits of modernization and international cooperation.
What led to the restoration of Imperial power in Japan?
The weakness of the Tokugawa Regency and the prevailing sentiment towards expelling foreigners contributed to the restoration of Imperial power in Japan. The speaker's encounters with danger and threats of assassination due to perceived influence on policy changes highlighted the shifting political landscape. As the sentiment turned towards opening up the country to trade and modernization, the restoration of Imperial power became a pivotal moment in Japan's history, signaling a departure from the old feudal system towards a more progressive and internationally engaged approach.
How did the speaker's trip to America impact Japan's economic development?
Traveling to America with companions to study taxes, paper currency, income, expenditure, yearly budget, national banks, and the American Constitution, the speaker played a crucial role in shaping Japan's economic development. This study led to the issuance of paper money and the establishment of National Banks in Japan, laying the foundation for a more robust financial system. By learning from American practices and implementing them in Japan, the speaker contributed to modernizing the country's economic infrastructure and fostering growth in various sectors.
What values did the speaker emphasize for Japan's modernization?
The speaker emphasized the need to modernize Japan in the face of international competition by dismantling the feudal system and promoting long-standing moral education of Bushido. This emphasis on cultivating stoic heroism and a self-sacrificing spirit among the educated classes reflected a desire to instill values of discipline, honor, and resilience in the population. By highlighting the importance of adapting to changing times and embracing new ideas while upholding traditional virtues, the speaker sought to guide Japan towards a path of progress and prosperity in a rapidly evolving world.
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Summary
00:00
"Foreign Tour: Samurai's Transformation and Political Shift"
- The speaker recalls a time when they sailed on a Foreign Tour from Kyoto, facing political turmoil between seclusion and trade parties.
- Disguised as merchants, they entered Yokohama and struggled to find suitable European-style clothing and boots.
- They managed to get their hair cut in European style, setting an example for the nation.
- The speaker, along with a few friends, faced difficulties in obtaining permission to go abroad, eventually managing to secure passage to Europe.
- In London, they were guided to various establishments for grooming and clothing, transforming their appearance.
- They read about the parliament of England discussing chastising the choshu clan, leading them to decide to return home to prevent a potential war.
- Back in Japan, they faced danger due to the prevailing sentiment of expelling foreigners, transforming back into Samurai attire for safety.
- They met with the Dao and ministers, discussing European civilization and the futility of resisting foreign powers.
- The speaker faced suspicion and threats of assassination due to their perceived influence on the clan's policy change.
- The Tokugawa Regency's weakness led to the restoration of Imperial power, shifting the sentiment towards opening up the country to trade.
15:41
Modernizing Japan: Railway, Taxes, Bushido, National Banks
- Introduced a railway system between the imperial capital and Yokohama in the second year of Magi, facing significant challenges due to lack of expertise in economic and budgetary matters.
- Traveled to America with Fuki Yoshida and Yoshikawa to study taxes, paper currency, income, expenditure, yearly budget, national banks, and the American Constitution, leading to the issuance of paper money and the establishment of National Banks in Japan.
- Acknowledged the need to modernize Japan in the face of international competition, emphasizing the dismantling of the feudal system and highlighting the long-standing moral education of Bushido, which cultivated stoic heroism and self-sacrificing spirit among the educated classes.
