Comparative Asian Economics: The Meiji Period in the Japanese History - Research Paper Example

Meiji Japan 1868-1911 Introduction The Meiji Period in the Japanese history, which runs from 1868 to 1911, transformed Japan from an agricultural nation with weak military powers and sparse knowledge of technology into a modernized and Westernized leader in world trade and industrialization (Britannica Online Encyclopedia, 2009). While people wonder how Japan could have achieved so much in a relative short span of time, analysts and historians have drawn various factors that helped the country’s leaders during the reign of Emperor Meiji to successfully bring about the major political, economic and social changes needed to bring in advancement. It is not surprising that Meiji Japan constitutes a model of national economic development that other countries – like Korea – have tried to replicate. The story of Meiji Japan proves that it is not a simple matter of systems that can be instantly put in place that trigger development; it is not a simple matter of enacting laws and forging strategic ties with other countries. Indeed, government policy and tariffs may help to spur economic development in the short run; but in long run, it is the necessary changes in the country’s social structure and the national demography in place that would bring in continuing economic expansion for the country. Meiji Period Policies Economic and social changes were implemented together with the political overhaul that transferred the power to govern the people from the feudal lords who used to run their respective turfs to Emperor Meiji as the ruler of the entire country. From the start, it was clear that industrialization was the target of the small group of leaders who administered the affairs of the country by issuing orders in the name of the emperor (Britannica Online Encyclopedia, 2009). The latter was the symbolic head of the Japanese nation who was revered by the people because of his traceable ties with the deity of their religion. The Meiji Period policy of using private businesses for the promotion government policy objectives proved to be effective. Private firms were encouraged to take over the operations of businesses that were formerly owned and managed by the government; the packages came with government financial support and financial backing of a banking institution. The overall direction towards modernization required adequate knowledge and exposure on Western science and technology so intellectual pursuits were promoted and Japanese constituents were sent abroad to learn all they could about different the fields of arts and sciences, and the most recent technologies and industries available in the developed countries. (Britannica Online Encyclopedia, 2009) There was a silk manufacturing company, the Tomioka Silk Filature, that was a masked instrument of the government for giving out to the public useful information on modern techniques for reeling with the use of machines. It was first a technology from a foreign nation; but then, it became in due time a transformed model that retained strategic parts of its former self and then that evolved into a much improved version. (Wittner, 2007, p. 12) Laws or no laws, the Japanese people exhibited innovative prowess and it worked for their best interests as an eventual world leader in the realm of technology. Raw silk production was the leading industry in Japan during the early years of the Meiji Period. The Meiji leaders provided the needed push for the industry to take off and grow, and it has, indeed, come to be the country’s major industry until the onset of the 20th century. Raw Silk Production and Export from Japan from 1868 to 1913 Period Production Annual Average (Tons) Exports Annual Average (Tons) 1868-1872 1026 646 1883 1687 1347 1889-1893 4098 2444 1899-1903 7103 4098 1909-1913 12460 9462 Source: San Jose State University website Japan was set in becoming a so-called ‘civilized’ country to comply with the terms of the Western powers. Thus, the modernizing reforms were justified as the only way for their country to attain formal international equality with the modernized Western nations. In conformity with this thrust, the Factory Law was finally enacted in 1911. (Kornicki, 1998, p. 196) It was a law proclaimed by the government, but it was not upheld finally as a law until its details and intricacies all fitted perfectly the needs and specific preferences of the industry players during such era. Progress & Development During the Meiji Period The focus of the government on industrialization led to the development of the transportation and communication industries of Japan. The year 1872 ushered in the first days of rail transportation in the country (Britannica Online Encyclopedia, 2009), and it went to cover more and more miles across the country, as shown below: Railroad Mileage in Japan from 1872 to 1913 Year Track (miles) 1872 18 1883 240 1887 640 1894 2100 1904 4700 1914 7100 Source: San Jose State University website All the civilizations that have ever existed were governed by natural laws that universally applied to them all. These laws never differentiated men of unlike races, nationalities or color; these laws, therefore, prevailed in all periods of time and in all nations around the world. These laws were based on the common humanity of all men; men lived their days in accordance to these natural laws, whether willingly or not. Economic laws are among the natural laws that man is subject to. These economic laws, therefore, are also universal – they apply to all countries, though at different times. Furthermore, these economic laws are followed, regardless of opposing laws that government may administer. (Kornicki, 1998, p. 220) Based on these arguments, it can be declared that the economic development that begun in Japan during the Meiji Period was brought on by forces that emanated from the economic situation of such time and from the people who made up the Japanese nation. This thesis also implies that any contribution that the laws and tariffs may have made to the overall progress of Japan towards her targeted civilization and modernization was insignificant. The bigger picture would show that factors such as social structure and the common resolve of the Japanese people to accomplish things for love of country are the more important elements for attaining economic advancement. On the other hand, the unique history of the people of a nation and the demography of their country, among others, have led them to develop their specific traits, beliefs and characteristics that soon became their identity as a unified whole. Accordingly, the history of Japan has consistently nurtured in the Japanese people a deep love for their country. A Japanese, therefore, would make decisions and moves based on the prodding of the spirit of nationalism in him. This holds true whether or not there are externally prevailing laws that require all Japanese people to always consider what is best for their country. (Kornicki, 1998, p. 220) This thesis similarly denotes that influences beyond the rules that the Meiji Period leaders imposed were behind the actions of the Japanese people. The economic advancement of Japan which continued long after the end of the Meiji Period, therefore, made sense. The Meiji Period served as the onset of Japan’s ascent in economic supremacy amongst the Westernized countries of the world. The following table shows that long after the reign of Emperor Meiji, Japan continually reaped economic gains: The Role of Tradition and Values Although the government policies were in place to ensure that the “industrialized” hallmark that the government wanted would be attained, there is no doubt that the solidarity and nationalism of the Japanese people played a major role in ensuring the successful shift of the country from its wholly agricultural economy. Indeed, it was clear that the Japanese people allowed their nation to be modernized and Westernized only in manners that retained their same, old values and beliefs. It was, thus, never a perfect technology-transfer or replication of any novelty from the Western civilization. The Japanese tinkered with what was known as the most advanced, and came up with improved, custom-made versions for their own country. This selective blending of Western and Japanese styles prevailed in all forms of arts and in all fields that were developed through the infusion of Western ideas and methods. Among traditional values that have been kept intact in the Japanese culture were loyalty and social harmony. (Britannica Online Encyclopedia, 2009) Similarly, the enactment of the Factory Law which finally occurred in 1911 resulted to a factory legislation that was totally different that the original law that was upheld in the Western countries. Somehow, the Japanese officials found ways to mold the law to a form that best suited their country and their people. (Kornicki, 1998, p. 196) The Value of Lessons Learned The Japanese people knew enough to not put to waste the lessons that Western countries had to learn the hard way regarding the social problems that occur as natural consequences of industrialization. They were, therefore, able to profit from the crucial experiences – the successes and failures – of Western countries that have been through the modernization phases earlier on in history. Thus, they took the best course to enjoy industrialization without incurring the setbacks of antagonism among social classes, which figured as the most crippling effect of becoming an advanced economy. (Kornicki, 1998, p. 212) The tabulated coal production of Japan below gives credence to its annually increasing economic activities that have become more industrialized and less agricultural in nature: Coal Production in Japan from 1875 to 1913 Year Coal Production (Metric Tons) 1875 600,000 1885 1,200,000 1895 5,000,000 1905 13,000,000 1913 21,300,000 Source: San Jose State University website By capitalizing on their knowledge of the disasters that arise from the lack of cooperation between capital and labor, the Japanese government officials and businessmen made good use of the traditional values that placed utmost importance to family ties and nationalistic bonds amongst the Japanese people. Ever mindful of such strong relationships, they tempered the impact of segregation that comes with the individualistic perspective of capitalism and industrialization. These things were accomplished not in compliance with existing laws during such time in history; instead, human factors came into play and guided the Japanese people of the Meiji Japan along the way to the so-called “enlightenment” and “civilization.” (Kornicki, 1998, p. 212) The utmost loyalty of the Japanese people to their culture, to their heritage and their national identity has been proven by various studies. Even Japanese people who are made to live in another country for ten years would come home to Japan not exhibiting the habits and traits of the people that they have lived with during the last ten years. This shows their consistent practice of their cultural ways, whatever the setting they may be placed in. (Dresner, 2008, p. 65) The industries of Japan flourished, thanks to the support the government provided and the nationalistic impetus that seemed to bring their economy into higher and higher levels. Trading activities kept growing in numbers as well, as evidenced by the increasing size of the Japanese merchant fleet: Size of Japanese Merchant Fleet from 1873 to 1913 Year Number of Steamships 1873 26 1894 169 1904 797 1913 1514 Source: San Jose State University website Studying the lessons presented by stories about labor unions disrupting the operations of production plants located in the Westernized countries, and about the rising public interest in the ideology of socialism, the Japanese leaders understood very well the importance of treating workers right. They, hence, designed employment systems that prevented the formation of unions and the spread of socialism amongst the workers of their country’s growing number of companies. (Kornicki, 1998, p. 221) This is yet another move that strengthened the industrialized structures of Japan during the Meiji Period – and this was not undertaken in obedience to any proclaimed law. As a country that followed the trail of developed ones, Japan had a clearer picture of where she was headed. The country’s economic progress charted a steadily rising course that spoke of confidence and determination – the confidence born of knowing what lies ahead and the determination to get there, just as other countries had already done. Importing technology and further improving it were among the economic activities of Japan that showed off her technological superiority. Through it all, the feudal, nationalistic instincts of the Japanese people were never lost to the complications brought about by industrialization. Their solidarity as a nation, bolstered by the loyalty and obedience that they gave their elders and superiors, made up a valuable part of their culture that enabled their country to attain economic advancement in a relatively short time. (Kornicki, 1998, p. 211) Conclusion It has been said the foremost goal of a nation’s social policy is to bring together in unity and harmony the nation’s established social classes so as to narrow the gaps amongst them that have been growing wider day by day. (Kornicki, 1998, p. 222) Social unity leads to national strength and no country can hope to have a strong economy unless its people are well convinced that their country and government are using all possible means to improve their lives. This ignites in them a common resolve to work together for their national economy. References Kornicki, P. (1998). Meiji Japan: Political, Economic and Social History, 1868-1912. Kentucky, USA: Routledge. Wittner, D. (2007). Technology and the Culture of Progress in Meiji Japan. Kentucky, USA: Routledge. Dresner, J. (2008). International Labour Migrants’ Return to Meiji-Era Yamaguchi and Hiroshima: Economic and Social Effects. International Migration 46, (3) 65-94. Gluck, C. (1985). Japan’s Modern Myths: Ideology in the Late Meiji Period. USA: Princeton University Press. Jansen, M. (1988). The Culture of the Meiji Period by Daikichi Irokawa. USA: Princeton University Press. Nakabayashi, M. & Okazaki, T. (2007). Role of Courts in Economic Development: A Case of Prewar Japan. Law and Economic Development: A Historical Perspective. Retrieved August 4, 2009 from http://www.iisg.nl/hpw/papers/law-nakabayashi.pdf Morck, R. & Nakamura, M. (2007). Business Groups and the Big Push: Meiji Japan’s Mass Privatization and Subsequent Growth. National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc. Retrieved August 4, 2009 from http://www.nber.org/papers/w13171.pdf Tang, J. (2008). Public- versus Private-Led Industrialization in Meiji Japan, 1868-1912. Center for Economic Studies, U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved August 4, 2009 from http://emlab.berkeley.edu/users/webfac/cromer/e211_sp08/tang.pdf Watkins, T. (2009). Meiji Restoration/Revolution. San Jose State University. Retrieved August 5, 2009 from http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/meiji.htm Meiji Restoration. (2009). Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved August 5, 2009 from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/373305/Meiji-Restoration Read More