THE IMPACT OF EDUCATION IN TRANSFORMING JAPAN FROM FEUDALISM TO MODERNITY

Abstract

Education constituted one of the fundamental tools that played a pivotal role in consolidating Japanese values and identity following the Meiji Restoration in 1868. This transformation was marked by the issuance of the Educational System Ordinance in 1872, which aimed primarily at building a modern state capable of defending itself. As political and military developments progressed, education increasingly sought to instill the notion that the individual is an integral part of the state and must be willing to sacrifice for its sake.

The Kaishō era witnessed the reinforcement of these principles, with growing emphasis on military training—an element that became central to educational policy following the invasion of Manchuria in 1931. During this period, the concept of "Yoshidō" emerged as a supreme value, and education contributed significantly to shaping a generation imbued with military ideals and prepared for combat and sacrifice. This educational orientation paved the way for Japan’s expansionist military campaigns up to 1945.

This chapter highlights the most significant transformations that education helped establish, particularly in embedding these national and militaristic values.

([1])  Since the beginning of this era, it has focused on four main axes, namely the enrichment of the country, the strengthening of the military, the development of industry, and the enlightenment of society. There is no doubt that these policies can only be achieved through the educational policy, which was one of the most important things that were affected by these changes.   The Meiji government in 1868 began the process of change and modernization, and this was manifested in the imperial charter issued on April 6, 1868, which included relying on modern scientific methods and avoiding the old methods, and the government relied on the Western model in the modernization process and how it adapted to the Japanese situation, as for the primary school system, it was influenced by the American system, while the administrative structure and middle schools were influenced by the French system, while higher education was influenced by the Prussian model, so these models played a great role in the process of modernization and the use of the latest means in the The education process was all thanks to government support for education([1]).