Rethinking Assumptions: Miyake Setsurei and the Rediscovery of Indigenous Values
However, subsequent generations of intellectuals challenged the notion of total Westernization, advocating instead for a reconnection with Japan’s indigenous values and traditions.
Philosopher Miyake Setsurei championed the idea that each nation should develop its unique talents in service of global civilization, emphasizing the importance of national pride rooted in indigenous culture. This marked a shift away from wholesale Westernization towards a more nuanced approach to modernity.
Chapter 7: ‘Westernisation’ and ‘Tradition’| Class 11 History Notes
For many Japanese intellectuals during the Meiji period, the West represented the pinnacle of civilization, and Japan’s future lay in emulating Western ideals. Fukuzawa Yukichi, a prominent Meiji intellectual, epitomized this perspective by advocating for Japan to “expel Asia” and adopt Western customs and values. This fervent embrace of Westernization was seen as essential for Japan’s modernization and global stature.
Let us learn more about “westernisation” and “tradition” in context of Japan!