Imagine being born in 1854 in Feudal Japan, and then experiencing not only rapid industrialization and modernization within a hundred years, but become an economic superpower with technology that surpasses the west in your own lifetime.
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
Great video, it's nice to have a documentary that succinctly summarises a period of history without delving into excessive dramatisation like many other channels do.
It´s really impressive, how Emperor Meiji & his government transformed Japan from an isolationist, feudal nation into a modern industrial & military powerhouse, in this short span of time. Emperor Meiji & his government, pretty much saw what happened with the Chinese Empire & how it became a shadow of it former self, exploited by the European colonial powers and ruled by corrupt bureaucrats and said themselves: "NOPE!" Then they literally dragged Japan into the modern age, kicking & screaming.
Indeed; unlike his Chinese counterpart, Empress Cixi (1861-1908), who feared that she would be sidelined by the changes of the modern world, Emperor Meiji/Mutsuhito (1867-1912) went in the exact opposite direction, embracing the changes of the modern world, as the only way to making Japan a great/major (World) power.
I studied Japanese history and literature during my undergraduate years (peripherally as I received a degree in music and education), subsequently lived and worked in Japan for 3 years in my 20's, and since then have spent my summers in Japan nearly every year. My Japanese wife and I are both educators - she early-childhood and I middle/high school. I am a keen and interested observer of Japanese history, culture and language. And I have to say that this is the most excited I have ever been about a RUclips video discussing Japanese history of any period. Several minutes in it became clear to me that it was researched and written by people in academia, probably with doctorates, and this proved to be true in the end credits. But what I would like to remark is: this video document strikes a balance between academic rigor on one hand and entertaining presentation style and pacing on the other that I've never seen before. It's a perfect balance. I follow quite a few other channels that make high quality history content, sure, but nothing feels like this does. Most other channels repackage information at the standard textbook level in more visually engaging and entertaining ways. Maybe that's what this is doing too, but this feels a higher caliber, meticulously crafted by experts in this field, not just RUclipsrs who are avid amateur historians. I love the latter, but this level of historical presentation is special. I see that you have done pieces on Takamori Saigo and Emperor Hirohito as well. I look forward to watching them and have most enthusiastically subscribed to the channel. Thank you for this wonderfully authentic work.
Hi. this was indeed a very informative video. i am interested in this Japanese history between 1865 and 1905. when you get time can you recommend some books for me to read. Thank you
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place? @@terrencerandle1184
I always find it amazing that we can watch this quality of video from RUclips. As many people watch them via a smart TV we could be seeing a BBC documentary or one of the many commercial channels. Thanks The People Profiles.
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
@@marybailey7881 The Meiji emperor was no puppet, dumbass. In fact, he is the first emperor with actual powers since a millennium ago. He rose in power after the 4-century reigning Tokugawa Shogunate was overthrown, and the rule was brought back to the emperor and away from the militaristic clans.
Glad I finally got around to watching your presentation. I have long been aware of the significance of the reign of the Emperor Meiji, your presentation has been very enlightening. This emperor's reign set the stage for the following century and can not be underestimated. Thank you for your empirical efforts to shed light on one of the greatest, but seemingly least known of the Japanese Emperors.
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
We owe a great deal of gratitude to the first Englishman who reached Japan, later celebrated as the first English Samurai, for halting the spread of the European virus catholic ideology, particularly among the Portuguese, within this exquisite Japanese society. Without his intervention, or if he had not revealed the truth about the world and the sick mindset of Portuguese to Ieyasu Tokugawa during the new Edo era in the early 17th century, we might have witnessed another version of exploitation in Japanese society, similar to what other countries experienced when destroyed by European colonizers such as North and South America, Australia, Africa, and New Zealand. Hence, William Adams stands as a profoundly significant figure in Japanese history.
Outstanding video! A reasonable summary of a century of events, ending at WW2. I was quite familiar with Japanese history from 1920-29 to the end of WW2 and beyond, but this was my introduction to the beginning of the Meiji era.
Firearms were accidentally introduced to Japan in 1543 by Portuguese, by the time of Battle of Sekigahara, Japan became one of the world’s largest rifle-armed military power by the time of Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Samurai forces were always armed with self-manufactured “Tanegashima” match lock rifle regiments. Tanegashima match locks were high quality match-locks at the time, still sought after collectors items today. New rifles used in Saigo’s rebellion, many of which were fought with surplus American civil war weapons which US has exported to Japan , Meiji restorations were Japan’s version of Industrial Revolution .
Although the Restoration returned the power to the Emperor from the feudal military government, this only lasted till 1905 when Japan became a constitution monarch and once again its government became dominated by the militarism till the end of WWII.
Military men, especially those with extreme loyalist views, could have the ear of the God-Emperor who would in turn help to pave their ways onto real political power. For example, Hideki Tojo was well known for his devotion to Emperor Hirohito. He was chosen as Prime Minister because Hirohito let it be known he favored Tojo. When Japan lost the Battle of Saipan in July 1944 it was Emperor Hirohito who let it be known that Tojo did not have his confidence to continue. Tojo went quietly, as expected from a loyal soldier. The God-Emperor held immense influence on Japanese politics till the end of WW2. The extent of his power was simply not written down on a piece of paper.
While a very nuts-and-bolts recitation of the facts concerning the Meiji restoration, the photography in this is overwhelming! I want to see this on a big screen...
@@momochi9790 I mean all wars are violent. But if you follow Japanese history from the sengoku jidai, imjin war etc…They’ve done some pretty brutal stuff. I know they don’t hold the monopoly on violence but it’s weird seeing such a degree of violence come from such a polite and orderly group people
@@gilet102 That's nothing to do with how polite and orderly they are. You are making an error to equate individual interests to national ones. I don't know if you said that on purpose or by accident, but it's clearly a prejudice.
@@gilet102 the politeness and pacifism was essentially indoctrinated to them from the Allies after WW2. Many ordinary Japanese people wish to disassociate themselves from imperial Japan because deep down, many know Japan was terrible during their rise to imperial power. But the current government wishes to return Japan to that kind of power
@@gilet102 They are very organized and disciplined when dishing out violence. But that doesn't mean their brutality isn't unmatched. Sadism is a part of their polite culture.
14:45 interesting fact about Tokyo's name being "Eastern Capital" In Chinese, Tokyo is called "Dongjing" translating as "Eastern Capital". Beijing, is "Northern Capital" and Nanjing is "Southern Capital". There is no "Western Capital" but there is the ancient city of Xi'an, which translates in Chinese to "Western Harmony" previously known as Chang'an, China's most ancient and revered capital.
That is fascinating. The 4 main civilizations that are parts of the East Asian cultural sphere are China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam. It would be freaking impressive if the 4 capitals of these 4 entities could be translated as Northern Capital, Eastern Capital, Central Capital, and Southern Capital respectively.
@@Nishkid641 the Chinese were likely, too culturally arrogant to allow that. For the Meiji government to rename Edo to Tokyo itself was likely a statement to the claim that Japan was now at the very least, equal to China in that it had its own recognized capital city that they considered equal to Beijing.
@@SkepticalChris Also, "China" literally means "Middle Country". If their capital to be renamed to something like "Middle Capital", that would be eerie but also impressive.
@@Nishkid641 Imagine if China in the future surpass the USA as the first world economy and decide to build a new high tech capital city called "middle capital" in the center of China 😱
The English translation of the name of this movement is quite interesting. The original Japanese name of this movement is "Meiji Revolution" (明治維新). The name of this movement came from ancient Chinese literature, "The Book of Songs": "周虽旧邦，其命维新"(Although Zhou is an old kingdom, it undertakes a mission of revolution). The original Japanese name of this movement focuses more on "revolution". However, the English translation chooses to focus more on "restoration".
Shishishi, wait until you realize that the English (or any native language) translation of any foreign works are just going to be a version of the truth rather than truth itself.
You’re absolutely right. Even people within the same country have conflicting perspectives. That is why it’s important to research the “same” information from different sources.
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
Slight problems with the Shogunate overthrow part of the video. Sakamoto Ryoma ought to be mentioned. He made Satsuma and Choshu allies and they then could overcome the Shogun. But what happened was that Yoshinobu abdicated before their demands could be made. He became a subservient of the emperor instead, but a powerful vassal. Satsuma and Choshu realizing this, made the brazen move to occupy Kyoto, thus starting the war.
@@brucehur2051 Not all Koreans. Plus China and Japan had a strong rivalry since the last 200 years. Still cannot dispute your family line. The Japanese are Koreans. Look at the migration from the Korean mainland to Japan. The Ainu people are the original inhabitants of the island that got invaded by the people from Korean mainland that will push these people further north to the island of Hokkaido, only to be finally subjected to the invaders. Japanese are Koreans. Time to wake up and stop hating on the family.
@@jasondiggs6740 I don't know if it's the case, because it ethnically becomes ambiguous if you date back to the era by then. But since when ancient kingdoms started to develop in the region, you can definitely say this: the Korean peninsula at that time consisted of various ethnics, and the Southern province of the peninsula was under the Japanese's political influence for a long time. This Japanese influence was ultimately erased by Silla's unification of southern peninsula, which established foundation of the modern Korean ethnic group. Since around this era, you can say that Korean and Japnese has become distinct groups.
Also a random interesting fact about Meiji Restoration is that prior to the era, the Japanese celebrate their new year in accordance to Chinese calendar, with their own tradition, but after Meiji all of the tradition is celebrated in accordance to Gregorian calendar instead (e.g. praying in temples, cooking specific foods, etc. in 31 December - 1 January instead on the date of Chinese New Year) Until now the Chinese New Year is celebrated culturally by the modern Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese along with Chinese diaspora all over the world even if the countries use Gregorian calendar.
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
Saigo, Okubo, and Kido were neither lords nor Daimyo. They were mere clansmen whose standing within the clan was never that high nor influential. Saigo for instance has been exiled and reprimanded several times by his own clan lord.
This is , without doubt, an awesome video. Yet I feel as if it lack nuance regarding the drastic change in behaviour of the Japanese troops between WW1 and WW2. Back in WW1, the Japanese were known and respected for being very gallant and upholding the laws of war. In fact, one of today's odditiy in Japanese society is their perceived obession with "tree cake" a German speciality. This came about because back in WW1, Japan was fighting against Germany and captured a baker who decided to stay in Japan because he had been treated so well despite being a POW. Now compare that with how the Japanese troops behaved (on average) in WW2 and a stark contrast emerges.
The Meiji Restoration was a godsend for Japan. It enabled Nippon to modernize and build a strong military and do away with the anachronism that the samurai system represented. Within a few years,it could take on threats coming from supposedly stronger nations to the extent of defeating Russia in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904,(the first oriental power to rout a western power). At the funeral procession of Meiji,two different images of Japan were shown. A procession preceding his cortège or bier had the old trappings of samurai weaponry while the second following his corpse or bier was an expression of the new Japan.
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
Thank you British friends for sharing our story, the Meiji Restoration is one of the most important events in Japan, Emperor Meiji had a glorious but difficult reign.
As a Filipino, I envy Japan because they already have a structured society before the Europeans and Americans came in to touch the East Asia. I feel bad on China and Korea though, because it feels like they are being gang raepd by these western colonizers.
Prince Sachi was his title, not name. His birth name was Mutsuhito. Also emperor in japan are never given their emperor name. The choose them themselves. Meiji (meaning enlightened rule) was the name he chose.
He did the right thing. Meiji did the right move to develop Japan into a modern soceity, which could fight major nations. Today they are the greatest Allies in Asia and without them, China would do now much worse around the world. China, North Korea and Russia are today the greatest threat to human soceity. With their Neo Imperialism thought they will try expand their influence even with force.
The war that Meiji emperor won against China, Korea and Russia made a false belief that it would win the war against America. This is the greatest blunder and mistake that Japan ever underestimates the u.s. it's results in a terrible lost and the worst humiliation for Japan.
55:35-56:10 of the video is a damning indictment of Emperor Hirohito's pre-war and wartime leadership. Feeding the myth that he was a demi-god who deserved unquestioned loyalty and obedience from his millions of subjects, Hirohito was unable to stop Japan's turn from democracy to militarism, ultra-nationalism and territorial expansionism. During imperial conferences attended by Japan''s military and civilian decision-making elite, he allowed pro-war voices to prevail over voices of reason and moderation against war. He ultimately endorsed Japan's decision to launch the Pacific war in 1941. Though one might counter-argue that Hirohito was constrained by the limits of his constitutional power as Emperor, he overrode these constraints by taking an active interest in overseeing Japan's battles against US forces, e.g. in the South Pacific campaigns. While the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy did not know when and how to end the Pacific war, Hirohito failed to assert his leadership to sue for peace at strategic opportunities during the Pacific war, e.g. when the Japanese empire was at its zenith, when 4 aircraft carriers were sunk at Midway, or when Saipan was lost. This could have prevented US bombings of Japanese cities on the mainland. It must take Hiroshima and Nagasaki to finally make him come to his senses, when his race was threatened with annihilation. The post-war conspiracy of silence and attempts to exonerate their Emperor for his wartime role and responsibilities, by his imperial palace subordinates and armed forces generals and admirals, while proving their loyalty, only reinforced suspicions about the extent of Hirohito's wartime involvement. Though saved from the gallows or firing squad by victorious allies to serve US' larger strategic interests, this man bore wartime guilt for the rest of his post-war life and went to his grave with blood on his hands.
46:00 not mentioning the 55 days of Peking is a little strange. It sounds like the European where the aggressors and not the Chinese taking around 1000 western and Japanese ambassadors and embassy personal hostage. The killing of the German ambassador could have been mentioned too. Everybody knows that the Boxers worked for the empress, why continue the lie that they were just poor revolutionaries. They never tried any kind of revolution, they worked in tandem with the Chinese army and they were really brutal. The part about the Japanese in China is pure CCCP propaganda. The "unequal treaties" just reversed centuries of unequal trade that had led to an economic recession caused by all the world silver ending up in China for hundreds of years.
Japan definitely needed to modernise or become another victim of American and European imperialism. It's unfortunate that it also went down that path and to utter defeat, having achieved so much in so short a time.
Our long history proves it. It's ups and downs. The boastful cannot exist for long, it perishes. So,The history of the United States is less than 300 years。and Japan has not fallen, Japan continues as a single dynasty with a history of over 2000 years.
@@missplainjane3905 I think this question becomes a matter of comparison, which country are you comparing to? (1) Japan is a safer country than Europe and the United States, with a low crime rate. (2) Food is delicious. Everyone wants to eat delicious food. (3) It is now a peaceful country, and has not been at war for 80 years.
This is so US centric. When the US force Japan no mention is made of "unequal treaties". But when Japan does the same to Korea, it is then labeled as "unequal treaties".
Great video, but one point . . . 3:12: Koreans did not settle across or invade Japan in a meaningful way since the start of the historic time, although there were prehistoric movements of peoples and culture across the sea (which direction has been a controversial topic, at least in the past). Rather, it was the people from Japan that invaded Korea, including many smaller-scale pirate raids and a large-scale invasion in 1592-1598 led by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (not to mention the occupation during 1907/10-1945). The 1592-1598 war also resulted in the forced relocation of many Korean artisans (ceramics), technicians, and other talents to Japan.
Meiji was just born at a time when real Japanese rulers needed a figure head to rally around. He really didn’t have real power just like most of his predecessors. He was just a convenient figure head
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
I live alternately in Japan (in Kyoto) and in the US. For many years I've been trying to understand what it is about Japanese culture that permitted and fostered the quick upsurge of militarism in the early 20th century. There are clues, but no clear-cut answers.
At the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, Japan's racial equality proposal was passed with 11 votes in favor and 5 against, but US President Wilson did not adopt it because it was not unanimous. With the Immigration Act of 1924, which excluded Asian immigrants, and after the Great Depression, with the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act in the United States, advanced countries formed bloc economies and deepened the degree of protectionist trade. Within Japan, the moderates who wanted to cooperate with the Western countries lost their power, and the argument to break the white domination of Asia and create an independent economic bloc gained power.
I still boggles my mind how fast Japan modernized from literally a feudal state within a few decades. And they managed to do it without being colonized by the major European powers. The European powers definitely underestimated Japan and the lengths to which the Meiji government would go to modernize and keep their independence.
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
They primarily succeeded in doing so because they westernized in the first place, after hundreds of years of isolationism which hindered their economic and technological progress to sub-European standards. By the time they began modernizing, they were centuries behind the largest economic and industrial powerhouses such as the United States and United Kingdom, which meant they could make tremendous strides in development without much thought or scientific/engineering hurdles which were resolved by Europe and the US. They were favored by rapid expansion because the great industrial powers willingly accepted, assisted, and even aided in their development. Even in the this video it is discussed how hundreds of leading engineering experts in Western society were used to help build Japan's industry. They took on many facets of Western economics and government which allowed them to spearhead progress and development. They utilized Western goods and commerce to finance their economy and growing industry. They adopted Western military structure to introduce their imperial military. Nothing they did was without Western aid and finances, along with centuries of Western economic, industrial, technological, and government development for which they adopted and directly benefitted from.
Did the British and Americans supply guns to certain Japanese groups before the 1800s so that the political groups they supported and infiltrated could carry out political coups against rival Shogunate governments? @@shooo5010
There are always good things and bad things about historic people. Meiji did great in playing a key role of embracing the world and accelerating the advancement of the whole country in politics and industries. However, he still upheld an ideology inheritant from Shogunate which believed in power and military, neglecting the people rights and the benefit to the common mass. He had his limitations. That's why Washinton was so much revered by the world.
This was very interesting history It is interesting how in a short period of time with outside influences how much violence took place I believe the poor people had to endure way too many changes that destroyed beautiful traditions I noted the Us involvement brought war on itself later I’ve read that in the war with Japan how tremendous cruelty and torture was inflicted upon the captured U S soldiers I pray we as a world full of people do not have another world war It seems nations do not learn from their mistakes
I NEED that piece of music that rolls at the credits. Please say that someone knows the name 🙏 I know its probably just stock royalty free stuff, but it's fuggin' catchy.
21:42 -- "thus, the degree to which economic advances of the post-1870ies period benefited individual Japanese men and women is open to dispute [...] a widespread debate, down to the present day, as to how much this actually improved the living standards of the average Japanese person" The people who try to gauge the actual impact of the Meiji restoration by comparing the IMMEDIATE socioeconomic realities during the four decades when the modernisation process is most dynamic, with the living standards the Japanese "enjoyed" during the static, stagnant, and feudal period, are either clinically dumb or completely blind metaphysically.
If as the documentary states, the Emperor was too young to initiate the changes starting Japan's modernisation , he cannot be held responsible for the changes which brought about the horrific events of the 1930s and 1940s. That he allowed the changes initiated whilst he was a minor was his, plus those of a few other 'influencers' recognition of the need for Japan to join the modern world. The changes under his rule were relatively slow compared with those from the post First World War period. The lack of serious long term resentment and disquiet, admittedly and unusual phenomenon for the Japanese people, but nonetheless ;possible if they wished to dissent, indicated that there was an acceptance among the knowledgable that change was needed and the pace was acceptable. So, whilst Hirohito was his grandson, because of Meiji's long reign, the former was subject to influences which arose from the success of the Japanese military in 1905 and the recognition that the expansionist aims which had previously piously only been tentatively attempted could be realised. Thus came the Pacific war of the 1940s and the humiliation of Meiji's people , something many of the Japanese nation still do not understand because the post war Government refused to admit their collective responsibilities, the appalling suppression of the people they conquered and the dastardly treatment of those who fought tham and were captured.
Fascinating documentary, if a little bit whitewashed. For example, one of the reasons for the Boxer Rebellion was the fact that the Western powers were actively encouraging the opium trade as a means of controlling China. Also, as per usual, the Westerners were trying to divvy up the country and the Boxers - understandably - found this attempt at colonisation unacceptable. Lots of information also left out about the break-up of the samurai class, and the clashes between the traditionalists and the Meiji era. But overall, really interesting video. 🙂
I've seen other videos that put the evil acts of Japan down to Tojo, Horohito was just a bystander because he was so young. But I think early on he supported Tojo, but by the time of Nagasaki, he was with the peace faction and [I've read] ordered the government to surrender.
Oh definitely with the winds turning Hirohito ordered the surrender with the Soviets steam rolling Manchuria where essentially on japans doorstep Hirohito choice where continue fighting risk Soviet conquest that may end with the emperor and family spending their last moments in Siberia and save his people from Revenge purges that Stalin would more then happily commit ( russo/Japanese war of 1905 ) that would not only end more lives, not only destroy Japan as a nation but as a culture and people Or surrender to the united States who may be willing to make a deal and spare not only him and his family but more importantly his people's lives continued existence of japan as a nation and culture
@@smiller3995 After the end of the Greater East Asian War, the United States and the Soviet Union, which had been allied forces until then, split and the Korean War broke out. It is a conflict between communism and democracy. The United States turned Japan into an ally and began to oppose communism. Even before the war, Japan was wary of Soviet communism because communism was a poison that opposed Japan's constitutional monarchy. It turned out that Japan was wary.
While the Mongols (Yuan Dynasty of China) certainly tried to invade Japan, it seems a bit unfair to say that the Koreans did so (3:11). Although the Mongols may have used Korea as a launching point, it is unfair to call that a Korean invasion. In fact Hideyoshi rather cruelly invaded Korea not once but twice and after the Meiji Restoration, Japan colonized Korea for 35 years from 1910 to 1935. It was kind of a one way street.
Some Koreans did participate in the invasion but most just acted as fishermen to ferry fighters over. They certainly weren’t passive during that conflict
@@communistdoge413 Still the ratio is overwhelmingly in favor of Japan as the repeated invader of Korea. Any Koreans who transported Mongols probably did so on fear of execution by the Mongols. I know of no korean government sponsored invasions on Japan but there is a repeated history of Japanese attacks on Korea.
There are several areas in Fukuoka, Japan that have dumped the heads of many Korean soldiers. Koreans were invaders. After that, Japanese pirates were motivated by revenge for aggression.
There's a theory that said the Joseon king was the one who urged Khan to attack Japan as Mongol had no interest with Japan. The Khan sent 2 envoy and the emperor sent their head back every time. Tell me which country got second chance after they sent Mongol envoy head back to the Khan.?
The most interestingly bizarre thing, is that the Europeans for over a hundred years, desired nothing more but to establish trade links with Asia, and when they arrived everything was such a historical type encounter. You couldn't have called before you built the ship? No, and what's more is that they were all in competiton with one another with populations, local populations which were growing wealthier and there was the revolution of the rise in a merchant middle class. So, the pressure to trade was not deflectable within the internal politics of the Europeans of the age. It was deadly dangerous, more deathly dangerous to risk not trying to trade. I'm looking forward to 2nd act, 3rd time charm, and this time, Japan is getting supplied ample raw material. Japan for shipping finished goods to Philippines and other islands, and those islands return spices and other things on ship back to Japan. But I can direct more ships from around the world to Japan, so less shipping if I ship SIPs built in Japan to build Philippino houses. Meiji provided what compelled Columbus to sail in '92, silk! The Japanese are recognizing that the world is competitive. They are adjusting to the competitive nature of the world now that they trade with nations that compete against one another.
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
GREAT credit to Meiji for his long-sighted perspective regarding Japan's future. It was a shame that the Bushido crowd later decided to bend, fold, spindle & mutilate what Meiji began into what eventually became WWII. joeinbuenosaires 😎
It's funny, because 99% of this, Meiji had no control or influence on. He merely existed, while folks arbitrarily made his existence important. He could have been a cup with an M on it and nothing would be different.
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
There are 2 street scenes ( towards the end ) judging from the outfits of the people is unmistakably the Qing Dynasty Chinese allure but the context is about the Japanese political and economic situation. I wonder if it is intentional?
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Imagine being born in 1854 in Feudal Japan, and then experiencing not only rapid industrialization and modernization within a hundred years, but become an economic superpower with technology that surpasses the west in your own lifetime.
Cliff,
You're seeing it right now in China, Chinese are doing it even faster, minus the bloodletting.
@@henryng7893not sure about "minus the bloodletting" is entirely accurate...
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
@@henryng7893 Get your English spelling correctly, China man!!!
Unless you were born in Hiroshima or Nagasaki
Great video, it's nice to have a documentary that succinctly summarises a period of history without delving into excessive dramatisation like many other channels do.
It´s really impressive, how Emperor Meiji & his government transformed Japan from an isolationist, feudal nation into a modern industrial & military powerhouse, in this short span of time.
Emperor Meiji & his government, pretty much saw what happened with the Chinese Empire & how it became a shadow of it former self, exploited by the European colonial powers and ruled by corrupt bureaucrats and said themselves: "NOPE!"
Then they literally dragged Japan into the modern age, kicking & screaming.
yes.. with the help of European/American powers... so they would pay in one way or the other.
Fast-forward to 2023 China is the ruler and terror of the western world.
Indeed; unlike his Chinese counterpart, Empress Cixi (1861-1908), who feared that she would be sidelined by the changes of the modern world, Emperor Meiji/Mutsuhito (1867-1912) went in the exact opposite direction, embracing the changes of the modern world, as the only way to making Japan a great/major (World) power.
Kicking and screaming is a wild way to say Civil War.
@@Figs3 umm, no, it's not; 'kicking & screaming" means "forcefully"!
I studied Japanese history and literature during my undergraduate years (peripherally as I received a degree in music and education), subsequently lived and worked in Japan for 3 years in my 20's, and since then have spent my summers in Japan nearly every year. My Japanese wife and I are both educators - she early-childhood and I middle/high school. I am a keen and interested observer of Japanese history, culture and language. And I have to say that this is the most excited I have ever been about a RUclips video discussing Japanese history of any period. Several minutes in it became clear to me that it was researched and written by people in academia, probably with doctorates, and this proved to be true in the end credits. But what I would like to remark is: this video document strikes a balance between academic rigor on one hand and entertaining presentation style and pacing on the other that I've never seen before. It's a perfect balance. I follow quite a few other channels that make high quality history content, sure, but nothing feels like this does. Most other channels repackage information at the standard textbook level in more visually engaging and entertaining ways. Maybe that's what this is doing too, but this feels a higher caliber, meticulously crafted by experts in this field, not just RUclipsrs who are avid amateur historians. I love the latter, but this level of historical presentation is special. I see that you have done pieces on Takamori Saigo and Emperor Hirohito as well. I look forward to watching them and have most enthusiastically subscribed to the channel. Thank you for this wonderfully authentic work.
Hi. this was indeed a very informative video. i am interested in this Japanese history between 1865 and 1905. when you get time can you recommend some books for me to read. Thank you
Except for the part where he names Moscow, the political center of the Russian Empire (during Czar Nicholas II), when it was Saint Petersburg!
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
@@terrencerandle1184
Thank you for this well crafted comment. I'm definitely going to watch this documentary and subscribe to the channel.
I always find it amazing that we can watch this quality of video from RUclips. As many people watch them via a smart TV we could be seeing a BBC documentary or one of the many commercial channels. Thanks The People Profiles.
BBC is trash too much one-sided and woke
I prefer NHK news very balanced
To date, the Meji Restoration is one of the fastest modernization in history!
Probably even the fastest!
USSR and China would be the fastest
It’s a pity they used it for militarism and expansion.
NO, it was the USSR under the tyran Stalin
China is likely the fastest
Fantastic video! Japan is truly an impressive nation with an intriguing history!
3:40 how dare they block them
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
@@marybailey7881 The Meiji emperor was no puppet, dumbass. In fact, he is the first emperor with actual powers since a millennium ago. He rose in power after the 4-century reigning Tokugawa Shogunate was overthrown, and the rule was brought back to the emperor and away from the militaristic clans.
Glad I finally got around to watching your presentation. I have long been aware of the significance of the reign of the Emperor Meiji, your presentation has been very enlightening. This emperor's reign set the stage for the following century and can not be underestimated. Thank you for your empirical efforts to shed light on one of the greatest, but seemingly least known of the Japanese Emperors.
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
@@marybailey7881 bro he did not. Be a puppet he controlled japan by the time it under his control plus everyone swore loyalty to the emperor meji
ok dude@@kingpoobanna7561
The voice over dude is a good man to tell stories about history
Another excellent video! That was a lot of historical information put together in an hour video.
We owe a great deal of gratitude to the first Englishman who reached Japan, later celebrated as the first English Samurai, for halting the spread of the European virus catholic ideology, particularly among the Portuguese, within this exquisite Japanese society. Without his intervention, or if he had not revealed the truth about the world and the sick mindset of Portuguese to Ieyasu Tokugawa during the new Edo era in the early 17th century, we might have witnessed another version of exploitation in Japanese society, similar to what other countries experienced when destroyed by European colonizers such as North and South America, Australia, Africa, and New Zealand. Hence, William Adams stands as a profoundly significant figure in Japanese history.
Hail Mary
Outstanding video! A reasonable summary of a century of events, ending at WW2. I was quite familiar with Japanese history from 1920-29 to the end of WW2 and beyond, but this was my introduction to the beginning of the Meiji era.
Firearms were accidentally introduced to Japan in 1543 by Portuguese, by the time of Battle of Sekigahara, Japan became one of the world’s largest rifle-armed military power by the time of Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Samurai forces were always armed with self-manufactured “Tanegashima” match lock rifle regiments. Tanegashima match locks were high quality match-locks at the time, still sought after collectors items today. New rifles used in Saigo’s rebellion, many of which were fought with surplus American civil war weapons which US has exported to Japan , Meiji restorations were Japan’s version of Industrial Revolution .
Both interesting and informative. Great job.
Thanks. Always wanted to learn more about him.
Thanks!
Although the Restoration returned the power to the Emperor from the feudal military government, this only lasted till 1905 when Japan became a constitution monarch and once again its government became dominated by the militarism till the end of WWII.
Military men, especially those with extreme loyalist views, could have the ear of the God-Emperor who would in turn help to pave their ways onto real political power. For example, Hideki Tojo was well known for his devotion to Emperor Hirohito. He was chosen as Prime Minister because Hirohito let it be known he favored Tojo. When Japan lost the Battle of Saipan in July 1944 it was Emperor Hirohito who let it be known that Tojo did not have his confidence to continue. Tojo went quietly, as expected from a loyal soldier. The God-Emperor held immense influence on Japanese politics till the end of WW2. The extent of his power was simply not written down on a piece of paper.
While a very nuts-and-bolts recitation of the facts concerning the Meiji restoration, the photography in this is overwhelming! I want to see this on a big screen...
One of my favorite periods in time, Japan really did set the standard 😁
I wish my country have one day someone like Meiji.
Lol...... U need so much to learn then.
Clueless.
Your countries neighbors probably won’t like that 😂😂
Pull your head out of your ass
Create a civil war and killing countless amount of his own people? You must hate your country.
Japan has such a violent but yet fascinating history. From the samurai, to Meiji restoration then on to WWII. I hope to visit there one day.
@@momochi9790 I mean all wars are violent. But if you follow Japanese history from the sengoku jidai, imjin war etc…They’ve done some pretty brutal stuff. I know they don’t hold the monopoly on violence but it’s weird seeing such a degree of violence come from such a polite and orderly group people
@@gilet102 That's nothing to do with how polite and orderly they are. You are making an error to equate individual interests to national ones. I don't know if you said that on purpose or by accident, but it's clearly a prejudice.
@@gilet102 the politeness and pacifism was essentially indoctrinated to them from the Allies after WW2. Many ordinary Japanese people wish to disassociate themselves from imperial Japan because deep down, many know Japan was terrible during their rise to imperial power. But the current government wishes to return Japan to that kind of power
@@gilet102 They are very organized and disciplined when dishing out violence. But that doesn't mean their brutality isn't unmatched. Sadism is a part of their polite culture.
@@majungasaurusaaaaThey did kick China's butt throughout all of history😂
14:45 interesting fact about Tokyo's name being "Eastern Capital"
In Chinese, Tokyo is called "Dongjing" translating as "Eastern Capital". Beijing, is "Northern Capital" and Nanjing is "Southern Capital".
There is no "Western Capital" but there is the ancient city of Xi'an, which translates in Chinese to "Western Harmony" previously known as Chang'an, China's most ancient and revered capital.
That is fascinating. The 4 main civilizations that are parts of the East Asian cultural sphere are China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam.
It would be freaking impressive if the 4 capitals of these 4 entities could be translated as Northern Capital, Eastern Capital, Central Capital, and Southern Capital respectively.
@@Nishkid641 the Chinese were likely, too culturally arrogant to allow that. For the Meiji government to rename Edo to Tokyo itself was likely a statement to the claim that Japan was now at the very least, equal to China in that it had its own recognized capital city that they considered equal to Beijing.
@@SkepticalChris Also, "China" literally means "Middle Country". If their capital to be renamed to something like "Middle Capital", that would be eerie but also impressive.
@@Nishkid641 Imagine if China in the future surpass the USA as the first world economy and decide to build a new high tech capital city called "middle capital" in the center of China 😱
@@ender8759 gee, there are lot of countries out there other than America. And good for them, the rest of the world doesn't care.
The English translation of the name of this movement is quite interesting. The original Japanese name of this movement is "Meiji Revolution" (明治維新). The name of this movement came from ancient Chinese literature, "The Book of Songs": "周虽旧邦，其命维新"(Although Zhou is an old kingdom, it undertakes a mission of revolution). The original Japanese name of this movement focuses more on "revolution". However, the English translation chooses to focus more on "restoration".
Restoration to the Imperial system, and then begin to Westernize themselves in many aspects so that they will catch up to the European nations
Shishishi, wait until you realize that the English (or any native language) translation of any foreign works are just going to be a version of the truth rather than truth itself.
@@chamorvenigo any language is, even without any translation
You’re absolutely right. Even people within the same country have conflicting perspectives. That is why it’s important to research the “same” information from different sources.
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
Contrary to what is said in the video, Kido and Saigo were not daimyo lords but were initially relatively low ranking samurai.
Yes! A fantastic video on the life and accomplishments of Meiji the Great! Japan's Greatest Emperor.
5:00 railway and steamship
Just came home from work and seen this!!! Whoop whoop! Super Pumped!!!
koreans and chinese hate japan forever
Slight problems with the Shogunate overthrow part of the video. Sakamoto Ryoma ought to be mentioned. He made Satsuma and Choshu allies and they then could overcome the Shogun. But what happened was that Yoshinobu abdicated before their demands could be made. He became a subservient of the emperor instead, but a powerful vassal. Satsuma and Choshu realizing this, made the brazen move to occupy Kyoto, thus starting the war.
4:19 could not find allies
Brilliant, a short and succinct history lesson on the pre-WWII Japan, well worth the time, will subscribe to the channel.
Half way through the video. One of your best yet imo.
No nation has developed into the modern world so quickly like Nippon.
China has
koreans and chinese hate japan forever
@@brucehur2051 Not all Koreans. Plus China and Japan had a strong rivalry since the last 200 years. Still cannot dispute your family line. The Japanese are Koreans. Look at the migration from the Korean mainland to Japan. The Ainu people are the original inhabitants of the island that got invaded by the people from Korean mainland that will push these people further north to the island of Hokkaido, only to be finally subjected to the invaders. Japanese are Koreans. Time to wake up and stop hating on the family.
@@jasondiggs6740 I don't know if it's the case, because it ethnically becomes ambiguous if you date back to the era by then. But since when ancient kingdoms started to develop in the region, you can definitely say this: the Korean peninsula at that time consisted of various ethnics, and the Southern province of the peninsula was under the Japanese's political influence for a long time. This Japanese influence was ultimately erased by Silla's unification of southern peninsula, which established foundation of the modern Korean ethnic group. Since around this era, you can say that Korean and Japnese has become distinct groups.
Accelerated by American 🇺🇸 aid after WW II.
Also a random interesting fact about Meiji Restoration is that prior to the era, the Japanese celebrate their new year in accordance to Chinese calendar, with their own tradition, but after Meiji all of the tradition is celebrated in accordance to Gregorian calendar instead (e.g. praying in temples, cooking specific foods, etc. in 31 December - 1 January instead on the date of Chinese New Year)
Until now the Chinese New Year is celebrated culturally by the modern Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese along with Chinese diaspora all over the world even if the countries use Gregorian calendar.
It's calles the Lunar New Year now.
More accurate description.
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
Interesting historical lesson.
this is a very great documentary to learn about emperor meiji 👍👍👍
Saigo, Okubo, and Kido were neither lords nor Daimyo. They were mere clansmen whose standing within the clan was never that high nor influential. Saigo for instance has been exiled and reprimanded several times by his own clan lord.
Fantastic documentary. Well done!
This is , without doubt, an awesome video.
Yet I feel as if it lack nuance regarding the drastic change in behaviour of the Japanese troops between WW1 and WW2.
Back in WW1, the Japanese were known and respected for being very gallant and upholding the laws of war. In fact, one of today's odditiy in Japanese society is their perceived obession with "tree cake" a German speciality. This came about because back in WW1, Japan was fighting against Germany and captured a baker who decided to stay in Japan because he had been treated so well despite being a POW.
Now compare that with how the Japanese troops behaved (on average) in WW2 and a stark contrast emerges.
5:50 free trade ?
The Meiji Restoration was a godsend for Japan.
It enabled Nippon to modernize and build a strong military and do away with the anachronism that the samurai system represented.
Within a few years,it could take on threats coming from supposedly stronger nations to the extent of defeating Russia in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904,(the first oriental power to rout a western power).
At the funeral procession of Meiji,two different images of Japan were shown. A procession preceding his cortège or bier had the old trappings of samurai weaponry while the second following his corpse or bier was an expression of the new Japan.
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
NHK brings what's presented here to life in their TAIGA dramas. They do their homework and humanizes these historical events.
Better than to burn down all your history , thats what happens now in Europe. Cancel culture.
He made a great foundation for his family in Japan and that is great
GOD IS GREAT
Thank you British friends for sharing our story, the Meiji Restoration is one of the most important events in Japan, Emperor Meiji had a glorious but difficult reign.
2:20 There is screenshot this portion of image, thanks for uploading.
As a Filipino, I envy Japan because they already have a structured society before the Europeans and Americans came in to touch the East Asia.
I feel bad on China and Korea though, because it feels like they are being gang raepd by these western colonizers.
Prince Sachi was his title, not name. His birth name was Mutsuhito. Also emperor in japan are never given their emperor name. The choose them themselves. Meiji (meaning enlightened rule) was the name he chose.
6:08 “Leyoshi” should be “Ieyoshi” (capital i)
"The Society of Righteous and Harmonious *Fists*." Ha ha ha, love the name.
US has something even more hilarious, called marines.😂😂😂
Nice, thanks for sharing
koreans and chinese hate japan forever
Emperor Meiji is a splendid ruler in Japan
He did the right thing. Meiji did the right move to develop Japan into a modern soceity, which could fight major nations. Today they are the greatest Allies in Asia and without them, China would do now much worse around the world. China, North Korea and Russia are today the greatest threat to human soceity. With their Neo Imperialism thought they will try expand their influence even with force.
"Open your country! be more like us!"
"Whoa whoa, you're way too good at being like us!"
The war that Meiji emperor won against China, Korea and Russia made a false belief that it would win the war against America. This is the greatest blunder and mistake that Japan ever underestimates the u.s. it's results in a terrible lost and the worst humiliation for Japan.
55:35-56:10 of the video is a damning indictment of Emperor Hirohito's pre-war and wartime leadership.
Feeding the myth that he was a demi-god who deserved unquestioned loyalty and obedience from his millions of subjects, Hirohito was unable to stop Japan's turn from democracy to militarism, ultra-nationalism and territorial expansionism. During imperial conferences attended by Japan''s military and civilian decision-making elite, he allowed pro-war voices to prevail over voices of reason and moderation against war. He ultimately endorsed Japan's decision to launch the Pacific war in 1941.
Though one might counter-argue that Hirohito was constrained by the limits of his constitutional power as Emperor, he overrode these constraints by taking an active interest in overseeing Japan's battles against US forces, e.g. in the South Pacific campaigns. While the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy did not know when and how to end the Pacific war, Hirohito failed to assert his leadership to sue for peace at strategic opportunities during the Pacific war, e.g. when the Japanese empire was at its zenith, when 4 aircraft carriers were sunk at Midway, or when Saipan was lost. This could have prevented US bombings of Japanese cities on the mainland. It must take Hiroshima and Nagasaki to finally make him come to his senses, when his race was threatened with annihilation.
The post-war conspiracy of silence and attempts to exonerate their Emperor for his wartime role and responsibilities, by his imperial palace subordinates and armed forces generals and admirals, while proving their loyalty, only reinforced suspicions about the extent of Hirohito's wartime involvement. Though saved from the gallows or firing squad by victorious allies to serve US' larger strategic interests, this man bore wartime guilt for the rest of his post-war life and went to his grave with blood on his hands.
Dope doc thanks world always been crazy
46:00 not mentioning the 55 days of Peking is a little strange. It sounds like the European where the aggressors and not the Chinese taking around 1000 western and Japanese ambassadors and embassy personal hostage. The killing of the German ambassador could have been mentioned too. Everybody knows that the Boxers worked for the empress, why continue the lie that they were just poor revolutionaries. They never tried any kind of revolution, they worked in tandem with the Chinese army and they were really brutal. The part about the Japanese in China is pure CCCP propaganda. The "unequal treaties" just reversed centuries of unequal trade that had led to an economic recession caused by all the world silver ending up in China for hundreds of years.
Excellent documentary ☺️
A very interesting setpiece. Good work!
Insane how the Samurai lasted around 800 - 900 years and it took less then 5 years for them to perish..
Japan definitely needed to modernise or become another victim of American and European imperialism. It's unfortunate that it also went down that path and to utter defeat, having achieved so much in so short a time.
It was boxed in by the West. It really was inevitable that Japan would confront the West
koreans and chinese hate japan forever
It became its own Imperialist power, hardly any better
Our long history proves it.
It's ups and downs. The boastful cannot exist for long, it perishes.
So,The history of the United States is less than 300 years。and Japan has not fallen, Japan continues as a single dynasty with a history of over 2000 years.
@@missplainjane3905 I think this question becomes a matter of comparison, which country are you comparing to? (1) Japan is a safer country than Europe and the United States, with a low crime rate. (2) Food is delicious. Everyone wants to eat delicious food. (3) It is now a peaceful country, and has not been at war for 80 years.
amazing video thank you:)
Japanese Court.🇯🇵🇯🇵⚜️
From Shogun Akihito.⚜️🇯🇵🇯🇵
they may have gotten rid of the Shogun but they never got rid of the teachings of Bushido.
Most informative video about modern Japan progresses steps...allot thanks for sharing
This is so US centric. When the US force Japan no mention is made of "unequal treaties". But when Japan does the same to Korea, it is then labeled as "unequal treaties".
Great documentary thanks for posting
Great video, but one point . . .
3:12: Koreans did not settle across or invade Japan in a meaningful way since the start of the historic time, although there were prehistoric movements of peoples and culture across the sea (which direction has been a controversial topic, at least in the past). Rather, it was the people from Japan that invaded Korea, including many smaller-scale pirate raids and a large-scale invasion in 1592-1598 led by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (not to mention the occupation during 1907/10-1945). The 1592-1598 war also resulted in the forced relocation of many Korean artisans (ceramics), technicians, and other talents to Japan.
Love Japanese history.
Me too. I did remote learning from Benihana University.
@@weirdshibainu Cool.
@@weirdshibainu LOL
Meiji was just born at a time when real Japanese rulers needed a figure head to rally around. He really didn’t have real power just like most of his predecessors. He was just a convenient figure head
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
Very interesting
Meiji was Japan’s greatest emperor.
Id love if there was audio podcast version of this channel
I mean, I listened to most of this video and didnt have an issue lol
@@BananaPhoPhilly i mostly mean on a platform like spotify or audible so selfishly i can listen to them at work 😂
It's no wonder the aliens are afraid of us .. we can't stop fighting each OTHER
I live alternately in Japan (in Kyoto) and in the US. For many years I've been trying to understand what it is about Japanese culture that permitted and fostered the quick upsurge of militarism in the early 20th century. There are clues, but no clear-cut answers.
natural resources
Nationalism
Imperialism
They like to emulate others. Monkey see, monkey do.
At the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, Japan's racial equality proposal was passed with 11 votes in favor and 5 against, but US President Wilson did not adopt it because it was not unanimous.
With the Immigration Act of 1924, which excluded Asian immigrants, and after the Great Depression, with the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act in the United States, advanced countries formed bloc economies and deepened the degree of protectionist trade.
Within Japan, the moderates who wanted to cooperate with the Western countries lost their power, and the argument to break the white domination of Asia and create an independent economic bloc gained power.
Very Instructive, Bravo !
I still boggles my mind how fast Japan modernized from literally a feudal state within a few decades. And they managed to do it without being colonized by the major European powers. The European powers definitely underestimated Japan and the lengths to which the Meiji government would go to modernize and keep their independence.
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
They primarily succeeded in doing so because they westernized in the first place, after hundreds of years of isolationism which hindered their economic and technological progress to sub-European standards. By the time they began modernizing, they were centuries behind the largest economic and industrial powerhouses such as the United States and United Kingdom, which meant they could make tremendous strides in development without much thought or scientific/engineering hurdles which were resolved by Europe and the US. They were favored by rapid expansion because the great industrial powers willingly accepted, assisted, and even aided in their development. Even in the this video it is discussed how hundreds of leading engineering experts in Western society were used to help build Japan's industry. They took on many facets of Western economics and government which allowed them to spearhead progress and development. They utilized Western goods and commerce to finance their economy and growing industry. They adopted Western military structure to introduce their imperial military. Nothing they did was without Western aid and finances, along with centuries of Western economic, industrial, technological, and government development for which they adopted and directly benefitted from.
@@marybailey7881Instead of being enslaved, the Meiji Emperor took the path of cooperation, they paid Europeans to teach Japan to become modern
Did the British and Americans supply guns to certain Japanese groups before the 1800s so that the political groups they supported and infiltrated could carry out political coups against rival Shogunate governments?
@@shooo5010
There are always good things and bad things about historic people. Meiji did great in playing a key role of embracing the world and accelerating the advancement of the whole country in politics and industries. However, he still upheld an ideology inheritant from Shogunate which believed in power and military, neglecting the people rights and the benefit to the common mass. He had his limitations. That's why Washinton was so much revered by the world.
This is one of the reasons why Japan remains as my favourite country ever, they rock. Period
Great video!
I appreciate the fact that these Japanese (of the 1800s) weren't a bunch of big-crybaby Christians who acted like juvenile delinquents.
This was very interesting history
It is interesting how in a short period of time with outside influences how much violence took place
I believe the poor people had to endure way too many changes that destroyed beautiful traditions
I noted the Us involvement brought war on itself later
I’ve read that in the war with Japan how tremendous cruelty and torture was inflicted upon the captured U S soldiers
I pray we as a world full of people do not have another world war
It seems nations do not learn from their mistakes
I NEED that piece of music that rolls at the credits. Please say that someone knows the name 🙏
I know its probably just stock royalty free stuff, but it's fuggin' catchy.
21:42 -- "thus, the degree to which economic advances of the post-1870ies period benefited individual Japanese men and women is open to dispute [...]
a widespread debate, down to the present day, as to how much this actually improved the living standards of the average Japanese person"
The people who try to gauge the actual impact of the Meiji restoration by comparing the IMMEDIATE socioeconomic realities during the four decades when the modernisation process is most dynamic, with the living standards the Japanese "enjoyed" during the static, stagnant, and feudal period, are either clinically dumb or completely blind metaphysically.
Interesting video. Though wasn't it Chōshu (with no n) and Ieyasu (not Leyasu)? 🤔
If as the documentary states, the Emperor was too young to initiate the changes starting Japan's modernisation , he cannot be held responsible for the changes which brought about the horrific events of the 1930s and 1940s. That he allowed the changes initiated whilst he was a minor was his, plus those of a few other 'influencers' recognition of the need for Japan to join the modern world. The changes under his rule were relatively slow compared with those from the post First World War period. The lack of serious long term resentment and disquiet, admittedly and unusual phenomenon for the Japanese people, but nonetheless ;possible if they wished to dissent, indicated that there was an acceptance among the knowledgable that change was needed and the pace was acceptable. So, whilst Hirohito was his grandson, because of Meiji's long reign, the former was subject to influences which arose from the success of the Japanese military in 1905 and the recognition that the expansionist aims which had previously piously only been tentatively attempted could be realised. Thus came the Pacific war of the 1940s and the humiliation of Meiji's people , something many of the Japanese nation still do not understand because the post war Government refused to admit their collective responsibilities, the appalling suppression of the people they conquered and the dastardly treatment of those who fought tham and were captured.
In case of Meiji restoration and Japanese modernization, I guess we can't forget importance of contributions from Ito Hirobumi and Ernest Satow...
koreans and chinese hate japan forever
Was there ever mentioned of a legendary swordsman with a cross shaped scare on his face? Some would call him some kind of man slayer or something.
Where's the part about Kenshin?
jzpan is the best example "apprentice exceeds the master" and meji is the central figure head that unifies the classes in the society.
Fascinating documentary, if a little bit whitewashed. For example, one of the reasons for the Boxer Rebellion was the fact that the Western powers were actively encouraging the opium trade as a means of controlling China. Also, as per usual, the Westerners were trying to divvy up the country and the Boxers - understandably - found this attempt at colonisation unacceptable. Lots of information also left out about the break-up of the samurai class, and the clashes between the traditionalists and the Meiji era. But overall, really interesting video. 🙂
I wonder what would've happened if Emperor Komei lived longer.
another good one
koreans and chinese hate japan forever
More Wars of the Roses… Margaret of Anjou next!!!
koreans and chinese hate japan forever
Historical accuracy is questionable.
42:06
Imperial Japanese Army didn't use machine gun at that time.
58:35
There was no war against Korea.
I've seen other videos that put the evil acts of Japan down to Tojo, Horohito was just a bystander because he was so young. But I think early on he supported Tojo, but by the time of Nagasaki, he was with the peace faction and [I've read] ordered the government to surrender.
Oh definitely with the winds turning Hirohito ordered the surrender with the Soviets steam rolling Manchuria where essentially on japans doorstep
Hirohito choice where continue fighting risk Soviet conquest that may end with the emperor and family spending their last moments in Siberia and save his people from Revenge purges that Stalin would more then happily commit ( russo/Japanese war of 1905 ) that would not only end more lives, not only destroy Japan as a nation but as a culture and people
Or surrender to the united States who may be willing to make a deal and spare not only him and his family but more importantly his people's lives continued existence of japan as a nation and culture
Nope, Japanese Emperors did literally nothing betwesn Go Deigo's death and Showa ordering the surrender.
They are seen as above doing any politics.
@@smiller3995 After the end of the Greater East Asian War, the United States and the Soviet Union, which had been allied forces until then, split and the Korean War broke out. It is a conflict between communism and democracy. The United States turned Japan into an ally and began to oppose communism. Even before the war, Japan was wary of Soviet communism because communism was a poison that opposed Japan's constitutional monarchy. It turned out that Japan was wary.
The Meiji restoration is basically a japanese AOE 2 player using the " aegis " cheat code
While the Mongols (Yuan Dynasty of China) certainly tried to invade Japan, it seems a bit unfair to say that the Koreans did so (3:11). Although the Mongols may have used Korea as a launching point, it is unfair to call that a Korean invasion. In fact Hideyoshi rather cruelly invaded Korea not once but twice and after the Meiji Restoration, Japan colonized Korea for 35 years from 1910 to 1935. It was kind of a one way street.
Some Koreans did participate in the invasion but most just acted as fishermen to ferry fighters over. They certainly weren’t passive during that conflict
@@communistdoge413 Still the ratio is overwhelmingly in favor of Japan as the repeated invader of Korea. Any Koreans who transported Mongols probably did so on fear of execution by the Mongols. I know of no korean government sponsored invasions on Japan but there is a repeated history of Japanese attacks on Korea.
koreans and chinese hate japan forever
There are several areas in Fukuoka, Japan that have dumped the heads of many Korean soldiers. Koreans were invaders. After that, Japanese pirates were motivated by revenge for aggression.
There's a theory that said the Joseon king was the one who urged Khan to attack Japan as Mongol had no interest with Japan. The Khan sent 2 envoy and the emperor sent their head back every time. Tell me which country got second chance after they sent Mongol envoy head back to the Khan.?
The most interestingly bizarre thing, is that the Europeans for over a hundred years, desired nothing more but to establish trade links with Asia, and when they arrived everything was such a historical type encounter. You couldn't have called before you built the ship? No, and what's more is that they were all in competiton with one another with populations, local populations which were growing wealthier and there was the revolution of the rise in a merchant middle class. So, the pressure to trade was not deflectable within the internal politics of the Europeans of the age. It was deadly dangerous, more deathly dangerous to risk not trying to trade. I'm looking forward to 2nd act, 3rd time charm, and this time, Japan is getting supplied ample raw material. Japan for shipping finished goods to Philippines and other islands, and those islands return spices and other things on ship back to Japan. But I can direct more ships from around the world to Japan, so less shipping if I ship SIPs built in Japan to build Philippino houses. Meiji provided what compelled Columbus to sail in '92, silk! The Japanese are recognizing that the world is competitive. They are adjusting to the competitive nature of the world now that they trade with nations that compete against one another.
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
GREAT credit to Meiji for his long-sighted perspective regarding Japan's future. It was a shame that the Bushido crowd later decided to bend, fold, spindle & mutilate what Meiji began into what eventually became WWII.
joeinbuenosaires 😎
It's funny, because 99% of this, Meiji had no control or influence on. He merely existed, while folks arbitrarily made his existence important. He could have been a cup with an M on it and nothing would be different.
Was Emperor Meiji the first Western Puppet installed in Japan? Why him? What happened to the previous ruler? how different Japan was after he was ousted and Meiji put in his place?
Meiji is magic. Mage 🔮💎
Where my Rurouni Kenshin fans at?
koreans and chinese hate japan forever
There are 2 street scenes ( towards the end ) judging from the outfits of the people is unmistakably the Qing Dynasty Chinese allure but the context is about the Japanese political and economic situation. I wonder if it is intentional?