Prominent Figures in the Modernization Process of East Asia

Author: Research Center for Japan Studies, Peking University
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-04-01
Features: China and Japan are neighboring great powers in East Asia, with a long history of close cultural exchanges and commercial interactions. In modern times, both countries faced the threat of Western aggression almost simultaneously. However, China was defeated in the Opium War and forced to sign the unequal Anglo-Chinese Treaty of Nanking, leading to a gradual descent into a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society. In contrast, after Commodore Perry's expedition to Japan, the nation united and implemented the Meiji Restoration, vigorously adopting Western science and technology and advancing industrialization, rapidly becoming a strong power in East Asia and embarking on a path of militarism and expansionist aggression. The differing modernization processes and outcomes of China and Japan have complex reasons, but it is undeniable that the thoughts, perspectives on global trends, and actions of a few outstanding figures during this period played significant roles in shaping these outcomes. Therefore, exploring the influence and role of these outstanding figures in the modernization processes of China and Japan is highly meaningful for understanding their respective modernization journeys and their outcomes. This book is a collection of thematic discussions by scholars from both China and Japan on "Outstanding Figures in the Modernization Process." The articles focus on outstanding figures in China and Japan's modernization who had significant impacts and played important roles in politics, economy, diplomacy, culture, and other fields, including: Iwakura Tomomi, Okubo Tamemichi, Nakamura Tadashi, Mori Arinori, Cai Yuanpei, Zheng Guanying, Zhang Jian, Zhou Xuexi,, Goyō Tokutomi, Kōda Rohan, Lu Xun, and Satake Saburō, among others. Through the study of these figures, the book further explores the different modernization paths and outcomes of China and Japan, as well as the reasons behind these differences. The authors do not simply discuss individuals in isolation but place them in specific historical contexts, combining their studies with concrete historical events while paying attention to comparative analyses between China and Japan. The book also touches upon controversial figures and issues in history, such as the role and status of Li Hongzhang in China's modernization process, the origins and formation of Chinese national capitalists and their positions and roles in China's modernization, the relationship between certain modern Japanese thinkers and the development of militarist thought, as well as its connection to Japan's modern expansionist aggression. Some of these issues involve evaluations of individuals, while others concern major historical questions, all of which are worth serious discussion. The authors of this book are renowned scholars who have long studied the modern history of China and Japan. They have conducted in-depth research on relevant historical figures and issues and have published related academic works. Scholars from both countries discuss the same theme, approaching historical figures and issues from different perspectives, which can inspire each other. Whether in research methods or perspectives, there are certain differences between the scholars of the two countries. Discussing together not only highlights these differences but also helps to address the shortcomings of each. Additionally, focusing on modernization as the theme and studying outstanding figures from both countries in related fields allows for comparison, enabling a better understanding of the issues at hand.