Evolution of Japanese Values After 1945
The Evolution of Japanese Values after 1945
Presented To:
Matthew Penney
Professor
HIST263
Concordia University
Presented By:
Antoine Nguyen
ID: 9263039
Student
Concordia University
December 10th, 2010
Nationalism can be defined as “the complex network of ideas and philosophies that defines what constitutes a nation and what it means to be a citizen”. In other words, it can be described as the sense of identity as well as pride that not only distinguish the country from the rest of the world but also bind its people together. Thus, Japanese nationalism involves different elements that make up the country’s unique characteristics which allow it to have a distinctive identity among other nations. However, it is also a notion that can be subject to changes over time, either due to political, economic or social changes. Therefore, what constitutes Japanese nationalism and how did it evolved from 1945 to the present day? Japanese nationalism is the result of numerous components, of which the most important elements are the nation’s traditions and values. These fundamentals can be considered to be part of the foundations of the country and thus, play an important role in Japanese nationalism. After World War II, Japan was in ruin and had succumbed to an economic as well as a social setback. However, traditions as well as societal values that prevailed from Confucian teachings were a significant factor in bringing the country together as well as giving the population an identity and pride to hold on during these times of troubles. In fact, these values and traditions were channelled to the population by two main institutions: family and education. More specifically, family played a big part in forming the foundations for Japanese individuals’ moral and values, such as honour, loyalty and importance of family relationships. This in turn allows them to forge an identity, a sense of who they are, in contrast of the foreign countries. Moreover, the
Presented To:
Matthew Penney
Professor
HIST263
Concordia University
Presented By:
Antoine Nguyen
ID: 9263039
Student
Concordia University
December 10th, 2010
Nationalism can be defined as “the complex network of ideas and philosophies that defines what constitutes a nation and what it means to be a citizen”. In other words, it can be described as the sense of identity as well as pride that not only distinguish the country from the rest of the world but also bind its people together. Thus, Japanese nationalism involves different elements that make up the country’s unique characteristics which allow it to have a distinctive identity among other nations. However, it is also a notion that can be subject to changes over time, either due to political, economic or social changes. Therefore, what constitutes Japanese nationalism and how did it evolved from 1945 to the present day? Japanese nationalism is the result of numerous components, of which the most important elements are the nation’s traditions and values. These fundamentals can be considered to be part of the foundations of the country and thus, play an important role in Japanese nationalism. After World War II, Japan was in ruin and had succumbed to an economic as well as a social setback. However, traditions as well as societal values that prevailed from Confucian teachings were a significant factor in bringing the country together as well as giving the population an identity and pride to hold on during these times of troubles. In fact, these values and traditions were channelled to the population by two main institutions: family and education. More specifically, family played a big part in forming the foundations for Japanese individuals’ moral and values, such as honour, loyalty and importance of family relationships. This in turn allows them to forge an identity, a sense of who they are, in contrast of the foreign countries. Moreover, the
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