Social Change and the West

Samurai Over only eight years, the samurai went from being respected and revered, to being defeated in battle by their own government, and essentially being outlawed as a class

1869 – samurai reclassified as “landowners” 1871 – wearing of swords optional, topknots could be cut off 1872 – conscription of young men into army (replacing role of samurai by conscripted soldiers Hatori Edict – prohibited wearing of swords in public 30,000 samurai battle against the government forces; samurai defeated (Satsuma Rebellion)

Cultural revolution Because the world was dominated by Western cultures, Japanese leaders felt that to be accepted as equals, they had to act like Westerners in all ways This resulted in a fascination for all things Western that continues to today Saw this as “universal progress” Led to rejection of Japanese traditions

Fashion Severe limits on clothing imposed under Tokugawas (who could wear use what kind of cloth in their clothing, for example) Meiji – Western clothing worn for all court and official ceremonies

The samurai topknot developed as a way to anchor the battle helmet, but developed as a symbol of the samurai class. This was replaced by Western-style haircuts.

Women’s hairstyles also changed, from the traditional styles on the left, to the middle up- do, popular in England, to the righthand short bob by the 1920s

Women went from wearing kimono and yukata, to wearing corsets and bustles. Equally restrictive!

Food Traditional Japanese food – little meat, mostly fish and seafood, as well as rice, vegetables, and fruit (meat seen as immoral) Meiji food – meat-eating encouraged. New dishes introduced that had Japanese tastes and ingredients, but focused on meat

Bread Beer Dairy

Past-times

Education Pre-Meiji – ordinary people taught reading, writing and use of the abacus In classrooms set up in people’s homes Meiji – Ministry of Education established to provide an education for all people, regardless of social class or gender

1872 – all children must have at least four years of primary education By 1910 – 98% of Japanese students received a compulsory education Actual schools established Universities established, beginning in 1877 Educational system stressed importance of loyalty to the throne (still follows the traditional Confucian ideal of loyalty and obedience!)

Uniforms modelled on Western military uniforms were required for all students by the end of the Meiji era