The Meiji period represents the 45 years, when Japan was under the leadership of Meiji Emperor, starting from October 1868 July to 1912. This era means a period of Enlightened Rule. Meiji Emperor was the 122nd Emperor of Japan, having taken over from his father, Emperor Komei, upon his death. The Government during Meiji reign had to embrace Nationalism as the vehicle toward Japan modernization. Meiji Nationalism was closely linked with foreign affairs, it was centered on the Emperor model and had official patronage from the government.
A key element in Japan Nationalism was the concerted effort by the government to re-invented tradition to rally people behind the cause of modernization. A good example was the promotion of Shintoism, being a traditional religious practice; the government manipulated it to serve its purpose. Shinto studies emphasized the spiritual and divine origin of the Japanese Emperor. Due to this divine origin, Japanese were expected to entrust the leadership of Japan to the Emperor. Shintoism, in general, was characterized by religious commitment, the superiority of Japanese race, and a faith in divine duties.
More than 190,000 Shinto shrines were merged and one central shrine was established, this was to strengthen government administration and control in those villages. The Meiji leadership declared Shintoism as a State religion and this became part of Japan constitution, indicating that Japan was to be governed by a line of unbroken emperors. This Emperor-based nationalism was implanted successfully in the mind of all Japanese, including the ruling class, who used it to advance their interest.
Official Patronage was another factor that led to the successful growth of Meiji Nationalism. The Meiji Government undertook various strategies to mold the Japanese attitude. Schools were used as the main venues to advocate for loyalty to the emperor. The emperor was the main focus as a symbol of national unity. A better sense of Nationalism was aroused through the education system. The State made it clear to all Japanese that education was subsidiary to the service of the Emperor and state.
The military training and mobilization of law ensured that loyalty and patriotism were passed to all adults. The traditional Japanese spirit, the sense of belonging, came to the people, and cultural heritages were revived and a renewed Japanese identity was cultivated.
Foreign affairs had a direct relationship with the upsurge of Meiji Nationalism. The infiltration of the west into Japanese territory, unequal treaties, and failed attempt to review the treaties with the west made the Japanese feel at a loss. Their sense of pride was injured by the western countries making the Japanese feel inadequate as far as power and politics were concerned. The Black Ocean society, Genyosha, and the Black Dragon Society, Kokuryukai, led in advocating for the expansion of Japan’s border.
These events led to war pitting Japan against China in 1894. Japan’s victory meant a lot as most of the unequal treaties were revised in favor of Japan. The government’s popularity rose and the subsequent recognition of Japan as a power to reckon with. Both the 1894 war with China and the 1905 Russo-Japanese war strengthened Meiji Nationalism.
The Meiji Emperor took over the leadership of Japan at a time when the educated class, who included the Open-Minded daimyo, wealthy merchants, and intuitive Samurai, were instilled with a strong sense of nationalism. It was the time Japan was facing national danger in terms of external threats and internal turmoil. Internal strengthening was necessary if Japan was to survive in the wake of imperialism. A new form of leadership was needed, leading to anti-Tokugawa protests. The Meiji leadership exploited successfully a symbol of unity and rallied all Japanese in a nationwide crusade.
Many individuals participated in the Meiji Nationalism and their actions had a great impact on the Modernization of Japan. Some notable individuals include Ito Hirobumi, Nogi Maresuke, and Tokutomi Soho.
Prince Ito Hirobumi was born on 16th October 1841, he was a Japanese Statesman, and served four (4) times as prime minister for Japan. As a leader during Meiji Era, Ito was of the strong opinion that Japan Nationalism should not be based on Shitoism, as the traditional religious practice was not powerful enough to be the base for Japan modernization. He felt that the strong Imperial house was the only institution that could act as the Japan Modernization cornerstone.
This could be achieved through respect of the sovereign power of the emperor by all Japanese. He viewed the West as representative of National progress and due to his stand; he was the first person to be sent to the United States of America by Meiji Emperor to learn about the Modern Taxation Systems. Ito stayed in the United States for 0ne year learning American Taxation system and on his return he established Japan’s Taxation System.
Later he is sent to Europe to learn about the European constitution and on his return settle down to write a new constitution for Japan. These modern elements are overshadowed by Ito’s decision to hang on to power as the prime minister despite political opposition, especially during his third and fourth stint as the prime minister. As an individual who have learned modern aspects of life, one would expect Ito to listen and understand the will of people, but instead he chose to hang on to power, to an extent that he dissolved the entire cabinet for opposing him.
Another notable figure during Meiji Nationalism was Nogi Maresuke.He was born on 25th December 1849 and served a general during the Meiji Emperor, notably during the Russo-Japanese war. Through his action, Nogi personified both the pain and the Pride of Meiji Nationalism.
Nogi was sent to Germany to learn modern military strategies. On his return, having acquired modern military training, he was made a general leading an army battalion successfully, against Japan’s enemy. The 1877, regimental battle dealt a huge blow to Nogi; his two sons were among the many Japanese soldier who died in the battle. This left him so remorseful that he no longer saw the need for living. Besides all this, he received unreserved support from the government and the people. He felt he was a disgrace to the people and in this case refused to adopt a heir to avoid leaving dishonor to the adopted heir and the state. This saws a complete departure from tradition which allowed adopting of a heir in such instances.
The death of Emperor Meiji in 1912 represented an end of an Era to the Japanese, but to Nogi, it was an end to his life. He sadly ended his life by committing suicide together with his wife during the burial of Emperor Meiji, marking the end of his conflict.
Soho Tokutomi was a journalist and a historian when Meiji Emperor took over the leadership of Japan. As a member of the Japanese learned class, Soho was unparrelled populist who felt that there was need for Japan modernization. These sentiments had put him at loggerhead with the previous Emperor before Meiji took over. He acted as the public mouth piece, putting check and balance on the government on issues related to rampant corruption.
When Meiji Emperor took over Japan’s leadership, Soho attitude towards modernization changed, he retracted on his role of advocating for open society leadership, free from corruption, he used his Newspaper as the government mouth piece to spread propagandas. This complete turn of events on Nogi part had far reaching effect on the role of media in Meiji Nationalism.
Three different types of Nationalism existed in the Meiji nationalism. There was the Official Nationalism as played out by Ito Hirobumi. His stand on issues related to Japan modernization through the strengthening of the Imperial House, represented Official Nationalism. Expansionist Nationalism is very evident through leaders like Soho Tokutomi, advocating for Japan modernization by embracing Western System of governance. Nogi Maresuke actions represent Religious Nationalism; this is where religion becomes the cornerstone of state modernization.