On The Internal Contradictions Of Japanese Initial Modernization

Japan is the successful model of "external pressure-modernization" . As the initial stage of Japanese modernization, the MEIJI reformation is the focus of the Japanese study. People are astonished by the achievements of Japanese modernization during MEIJI reformation. But people are puzzled and pained by the limitation in the initial stage of Japanese modernization too, which has caused the destruction to Japanese modernization and the disastrous consequences to its neighbors. Why Japanese initial modernization had such a bad end? The writer of this article regards that the internal contradictions of Japanese modernization were the causes. The contradiction between western culture and Japanese ancient culture has made the unbalanced MEIJI culture, which has resulted in the lopsided development of the nation. The contradiction between democracy and unification has made the MEIJI monarchy, which has brought Japanese modernization to a wrong road. The contradiction of defining the role of intellectuals in modern Japan has made default of intellectuals' duty, which has resulted in lack of supervision on MEIJI government. The contradiction of defining the role of international affairs has made MEIJI government adopted the policies of strengthening army, which has resulted in militarism. The purpose of this article is to draw lessons from Japanese initial modernization for our nation' s modernization.