American Influence and nationalism At the time when Meiji was born, around 1852, Japan was an isolated

country that was mainly dominated by Tokugawa Shogunate and daimyo, who ruled the entire country. However by the time he died Japan had undergone tremendous changes in terms of nationalism as well as in terms of its masculinity. One of the most important things about the Meiji era in regards to nationalism is that it did not inaugurate a successful solution to the decentralized political system. Many histories have often emphasized Japans successful modernization while focusing on the emergent, powerful and stable nation under Emperor Meiji. The American nationalism had great influence on the Meiji era that resulted in these enormous changes. When Emperor Meiji rose to the throne a new slogan came up Civilization and Enlightenment. This is because they had experienced the superiority of Western arms and technology. Their reform agenda was to shape society, economy, military and the infrastructure without any compromises. As a result thousands of well paid foreigners were invited into the country to assist as doctors and consultants. In addition many students were sent to the United States of America to study and learn the American ways. High ranking Japanese official were also sent abroad on fact finding business. These events together led to the modernization of Japan. However not only did it affect them economically but socially and to a very great extend. There were changes in Family, masculinity, nationalism and even culture. This is because as the leaders travelled they looked at the lifestyle of the Europeans in terms of manners, fashion and civilization. In the end they reconciled these with their own belief. After the Second World War, the gender structure in Japan changed rather dramatically. The new constitution emphasized gender equality and undermined the patriarchal family system. The

husband became the breadwinner and thus worked while the wife stayed at home taking care of the household chores and the kids. In terms of nationalism, America was quite influential. When the Tokogawa regime was overtaken by the Meiji Restoration a new rule was introduced which led to a new constitution. The Han was the abolished. Equality, Education and politics were all overhauled when the new Han came into force. Japanese leaders made all these changes while incorporating both European and American ideals and system. Moreover, a stricter and clearer American type of constitution was established. It did not keep in with the Japanese tradition though it helped them to solve many of the problems that were not solved by the old reforms. The Charter that was signed in 1968 was the first attempt that was made to try and reform Japan. Its aim was to unite the people, give them equal standing and encourage learning. These were later achieved through the making of the American based constitution. The new government that was formed was composed of lower ranking samurais from western Japan. The class system was officially abolished and Japan established a formal system of dealing with the diplomatic issues with other countries. Initially Japan had been isolated out of fear that western alliances with rebellious feudal lords might threaten the shogunate power. However, Japan became modernized with the formation of the centralized government that was modeled on those in the West and the America. This was a bureaucracy that anyone could join since there were no class boundaries. A parliament was established but voting rights were first limited to those who had paid a certain amount of taxes. Women were however denied these rights till the end of World War Two.

The Japanese men also experienced a change in their language. English was the first language that the intellectuals of the Meiji Restoration studied. This came after the Japanese were impressed by the rising power of the United States and the Great Britain. In fact most of them even abandoned learning Dutch in preference of English. However, the accumulation of Dutch learning greatly influenced the success of the efforts to learn the English language and its translation into Japanese. The Japanese had actually grasped the western language, trained themselves and gained knowledge about the western world (Ibid, 352 53). Another significant change in culture related to the emperor. With the rise of the prestige and importance of the emperor and empress, Japans culture changed to one (of) loyal to the royal family. Nationalism grew expansively among the common people, who now had someone to look (up) to in their government. Shinmin No Michi wrote, The Imperial family is the fountain source of the Japanese nation, and the national and private lives issue from this. (Sources of Japanese Traditions, pg. 1001) Popular rights and freedoms also became very important. Under Tokugawa rule, individuals did not have very much personal freedom, but under the Meiji, commoners had freedom. All this was an influence of the foreign cultures including the American one. Move from traditionalism and into modernization is another significant change that cannot be overlooked. During the Tokugawa period, the people thought little of change and progress, but the Meiji Restoration changed that completely. Once the rigid social structures were abolished, the people began to flex their cultural muscles. They moved into the large cities where they enjoyed markets and shopping. Most men joined the industrial sector and started to work. Their wives on the other hand mostly remained at home and took care of the little household activities.

The kimono was and is still very popular Japanese clothing. During the Meiji restoration, the Kimono also underwent changes. The artificial dye was introduced from the United States and used extensively in making of the Kimono. This saw an evolution in the Yuzen technique (the one previously used to make it). However the kimono look remained very much the same. Fabric was also brought to Japan from elsewhere in the world and used to make the kimono. More and different types were also introduced. Traditionally the Japanese kind of clothes did not really matter whether you were a woman or a man. This therefore had an effect on how the Japanese responded to the introduction of the new types of clothes. Well, although Western dress was originally introduced as the standard dress for Japanese during the Meiji period (1868-1912), the western beliefs of what is considered feminine and masculine did not transfer as strongly. Perhaps this is due to the fact that traditional Japanese dress had little difference between genders in comparison with to Western dress (Takeda, 1998), resulting in a fashion society with a diverse range of clothing, accessories, and cosmetics for both men and women that we see in Japan today. The military system had been, up to this point, based largely on the samurai model, with warriors being born into the class. In 1873 this practice was replaced by compulsory military service by ordinary Japanese citizens. French and Prussian military officers were sent to instruct the new Japanese army, training them in effective combat and use of modern weaponry. This training later would provide a Japanese victory against both China in the 1894 Sino-Japanese War, and the Russian naval fleet in the 1904 Russo-Japanese War.

Before the Meiji period Japan had two major religions; Shinto and Buddhism. Buddhism had remained the most widespread as well as most popular religion. With the introduction of new and

foreign ideas from countries like America these two slowly started fading. Christianity was introduced and somehow the old and archaic law that only allowed the two religions was lessened. The citizens were allowed freedom to choose the religion they were interested in. It has been confirmed through the above discussions that the American people had a massive effect and influence on Japan. It comprised social, economic as well as social influences. From the fashion to religion great transformations happened thanks to the United States. Even the male dominance in the society was also lessened with women being allowed to participate in national and social activities like voting and working.