1868-1912
The Meiji Tribune
IN THIS ISSUE
Japan Opens its Doors
By: Annie Lo For more than two and a Japan Opens its Doors p.1 half centuries, Japan had been in complete isolation Japan the Giant-Killer p.2 w i t h n o i n 7 l u e n c e w h a t s o e v e r f r o m t h e Editorial: outside world under the What happened to “Good Tokugawa rule. But in 1868, wives and wise mothers”? Emperor Meiji dismissed the p.3 ruling shogun. He issued an I m p e r i a l O a t h o f F ive Articles, also known as the Interview with Hyuuga Charter Oath. The 7ifth Neiji: The Warriors of the Past p.4 article of the Charter Oath reads: “Knowledge shall be sought Lifestyle: throughout the world so as How to Make Smoked t o s t r e n g t h e n t h e Salmon & Asparagus foundations of imperial rule.” Makizushi p.5 It is perhaps the most important article of the Charter Oath, as it promotes a new policy of modernization along Western lines. Japan’s leaders have realized that their country must be modernized and became strong militarily, or else they would forever be looked down upon by the Western nations and at mercy by their demands. Thus began Japan’s modernization and its entry into the international world. To achieve a rich country with a strong military, Japan adopted western ideas and technology. The Meiji leaders realized they needed to develop strategic industries on which modern military power depended. Western military industries were also introduced. The government gave priority to developing defense industries that could withstand the Western threats. Foreign instructors were hired to give technical training to Japanese workers in munitions
plants and shipyards. Institutions were also established for training in the manufacture of guns, as well as engineering, technical, and naval schools. The Meiji government took over all the mines, and foreign experts were hired to increase mineral production. Japan needed a modern banking system to collect its unused wealth and make it available for investment on a large scale. In 1872, Japan adopted the American system of national banking and four national banks were established. But by 1875, there was 7inancial trouble due to the poor management, lack of cooperation, and failure to compete with foreign banks and local institutions. In 1882, a centralized European‐ style system of banking was adopted. The nation’s 7irst central bank, the Bank of Japan, was formed. It controlled Japan’s banking system as a whole and encouraged the development of specialized banks in 7inance industry, agriculture, and foreign trade. The Japanese believed that to be equal to the Western nations, they must adopt all aspects of Western cultures, and so began Japan’s cultural revolution. Western dresses should be worn for all court and of7icial ceremonies. Western hairstyles became a major symbol of Westernization, and replaced the traditional samurai topknot. Meat eating was encouraged, despite the traditional belief of Buddhism that it was immoral. Ballroom dancing was a popular pastime. A social hall opened in Tokyo, which held dances. It closed in 1883, marking the end of the Japanese craze for Westernization.
Left: Emperor Meiji in a military uniform with medals Right: The Charter Oath
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Japan the Giant-Killer By: Uchiha Sasuke
Japan and China had been rivals for centuries. China was challenged by Japan as its dominant role was threatened by Japan’s expansions. One of these expansions was Korea. Korea had a policy of isolation, although it had a long paid tribute to China. Japan wanted Korea to be in independent country from China, so they could keep an eye on Russia’s movements in China and Manchuria. However, China refused and in 1894, the Sino‐Japanese war began. In 1876, Japan used the gunboat diplomacy to force an opening of Korea. It resulted in the Treaty of Kanghwa, opening three Korean ports for trade, and Japan recognized Korea as an independent state to detach it from China’s control. In 1894, there was a rebellion in Korea, so the king asked China and Japan for help, but when the Chinese and Japanese troops arrived, the rebellion was already put down. Both countries still refused to withdraw their troops, which led to a stalemate. Ito Hirobumi, the Japanese prime minister, then demanded changes to the Korean government, but China refused. Japan troops seized the king’s palace and ordered him to declare Korea’s independence from China. Having no choice, the King of Korea signed an order to expel the Chinese. The Imperial Japanese Navy sank a Chinese troopship after it attempted to bring reinforcements to Korea. On August 1st 1894, Japan had declared war upon the country of China, and thus began the Sino‐Japanese War of 1894‐95.
During the Sino‐Japanese War Japan won decisive victories on both land and sea. Japan had quickly mastered the art of modern warfare, and the Western powers had soon learned this too. The world was surprised of the news about Japan’s success. On 16 September 1894, there were quick Japanese victories at P’yongyang, and the Chinese warships were defeated at Yalu River the next day. The Manchurian fortress of Port Arthur was one of the strongest in Asia. It was said that it would take a mighty force from land and sea to break into it. The Japanese siege at Port Arthur was a bloody massacre lasting almost three months. On 21 November 1894, the fortress 7inally fell. The total Japanese loss was surprisingly no more than 300, but Japanese soldiers had massacred up to 60,000 Chinese over several days. The Japanese soldiers had completely lost control, killing everyone they saw. This loss of control at Port Arthur threatened Japan’s international reputation, and Japanese diplomats were forced on the defensive as news of the atrocities were published worldwide. On 17 April 1895, China and Japan signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki, of7icially ending the Sino‐ Japanese War. Japan had been looked down upon by the Western nations, but Japan proved them wrong with the surprising victory against the large country of China. The world now knew that Japan was a powerful country to look out for. Left: A British cartoonist’s view of Japan’s victory against China in 1985 Bottom: A map of the Korean Peninsula during the Sino-Japanese War.
TREATY OF SHIMONOSEKI Main provisions included:
- China had to recognize Korea as an independent state - The Liaotung Peninsula, Formosa, and the Pescadores Islands were given to Japan
- 4 new Chinese ports opened to Japanese trades - Japan gained most-favored nation rights in China - China had to pay an indemnity of 200 million taels 2
EDITORIAL
What happened to “Good wives and wise mothers”? By: Haruno Sakura
In very early Japan, women were highly gave the head of the extended Japanese family respected and in7luential. As Confucianism spread to absolute authority. He had the right to control family Japan, it dictated women’s role and it declined. In property, 7ix the place of residence of every member 1889, many of us women hoped to text box of the household and approve have political rights under the o r d i s a p p r o v e f a m i l y She has no property, no marriages and divorces. new constitution. But once again, our role has declined even further. rights, and no children. It is Wives were not allowed to undertake legal actions. Confucianism declined the as if she is a parasite in a Under one provision, we were women’s role, compelling us to even considered to have the male household. play a subordinate role to men. same rights as cripples and Our interests were secondary, we disabled persons. ‐ Fukuzawa Yukichi had to obey and depend upon the male relatives. Women have no personal property. Impoverished families often had to sell their The house we live in belongs to the male members of daughters into the life of prostitution. Thousands of the household, and our children belong to the Japanese girls bought or abducted from their parents husband. An advocate of liberal reform, Fukuzawa by procurers were trapped into working in foreign Yukichi, wrote about the status of women. He said, brothels by the threat of violence and the obligation “She has no property, no rights, and no children. It is of debts. They soon realized that pride or family as if she is a parasite in a male household.” shame would prevent them ever returning home.
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When the new constitution of 1889 was created, we hoped to be given political rights. But instead, our political situation became even more restricted. In 1882, the government forbade women to make political speeches. In 1889, we were banned from participating in any political activities, including listening to political speeches. In 1898, the Civil Code
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The Restoration years was a disappointment for many women, including myself. We had contributed to the success and speed of Japan’s industrial revolution, yet our social status was not any better. If anything, it was worse.
Left: Karayuki-sans (overseas prostitutes)
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Interview withHyuuga
Neiji
The Warriors of the Past In this issue, we have interviewed Hyuuga Neiji, a samurai about his thoughts on the changes during the Meiji Restoration period. Gaara: Hello Neiji, thank you for coming. Neiji: No problem, thanks for having me. Gaara: So, tell us a little about yourself. Neiji: Well, I’m from the Hyuuga clan, and I’m an ex‐ samurai. Our clan is known for our sharp eyes. We can spot the slightest movements in the wild bushes during war.
By: Sabaku Gaara
Neiji: Once again, we were angry and insulted. It was clear to us that we are being replaced by conscripted civilians. We are the true warriors of Japan, masters of martial art, yet mere civilians replace us. Gaara: Well, thank you again for the interview, sharing your thoughts and feelings with us. I’m sure many other samurai out there feel the same way you do. Neiji: Thank you.
Gaara: How did the role of the samurai change throughout history, up until the overthrow of the Tokugawa rule? Neiji: We were the warriors of Japan, protecting our emperor and daimyo, completely loyal to them. According to the stories of my ancestors, our status began to decline during the many years of isolation during Tokugawa rule, as there was no war. But we were once again able to serve our country. We are the driving force behind the economic, social and political changes of the Meji Restoration. Gaara: During the Meiji Restoration, the government made some changes. What were some changes they made, and how did you feel about those changes?
Top & Bottom: Samurai pose for the camera
Neiji: They started removing the privileges that we enjoyed, that only we could have. In 1871, they made the wearing of swords optional, and men were allowed to cut off their topknots. Of course, none of us agreed. These are our traditions, how could we abandon them? When the government prohibited the wearing of swords in public, we were furious. How could they take that away from us? It’s part of what makes up who we are as samurai. Gaara: I can see why you were mad about the changes. They also introduced conscription with twenty‐year‐old conscripts being taken into the army for three years. What are your thoughts and feelings about this?
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LIFESTYLE
Recipes
How to Make Smoked Salmon & Asparagus Makizushi By: Hatake Kakashi
Materials & Ingredients ‐ 2½ cups of Japanese short‐ grain rice
‐ 2½ cups of cold water ‐ 4 tablespoons of rice vinegar
‐ 3 tablespoons of super7ine
‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐
(caster) sugar
‐ 2 teaspoons of salt ‐ 6 sheets of nori ‐ Japanese soy sauce
Pickled ginger (gari) Wasabi paste Sushi mat Smoked salmon Asparagus (lightly steamed
Method Preparing Rice and Nori Sheets Place the rice in a colander and rinse thoroughly under the tap until the water runs clear, and then drain well. Put the rice and the cold water in a medium saucepan and bring to the boil. Cover the saucepan, turn the head down to very low, and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Turn the heat off and allow it to stand 10 minutes more, still covered. Then spoon the rice into a large bowl.
Smoked Salmon & Asparagus Fillings Cut 6 oz (180g) of smoked salmon into thin strips. Lightly steam 12 trimmed asparagus spears, and then refresh them in cold water. Smear a small amount of wasabi horizontally across the middle of each rice‐ topped nori sheet, and arrange equal amounts of salmon and asparagus on top. Roll the sushi up and cut it into 1½‐inch rounds to serve.
Itadakimasu!
Mix vinegar, sugar, and salt together in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves, then drizzle over the rice. Mix it together gently to coat the rice with sushi vinegar, then set it aside to cool to room temperature. Toast each nori sheet very lightly by passing it back and forth quickly over a stovetop hot place. Don’t place it too close to the heat or else it will burn. Makizushi
Nori Sheets
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