Political discussion

Author: (Japanese) Ogyū Sorai / Gong Ying
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: This book is a seminal work on political theory by Ogyū Sorai (1666–1728), known as the "discoverer of Japanese politics," completed in the early 18th century as a proposal to promote political reforms under the shogunate. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the "Return of Samurai to Rural Areas theory," household registration management, the flaws and reform proposals of the sankin-kōtai system, government restructuring, and financial and fiscal system reforms. These discussions reflect the social and political conditions of Japan at the time. Additionally, the book addresses contemporary issues such as the criteria for selecting officials, methods for cultivating talent, the necessity and appropriate measures for aiding the vulnerable, attitudes and solutions for handling religious matters, and concerns about urban problems, all of which remain relevant today. The book sharply criticizes the idea that society can be changed through ethical education, arguing that only the establishment of a comprehensive system of rituals and music can effectively transform social customs.