A Preliminary Exploration On Ito Hirobumi’s Image In China (1880-1930)

Along with the exchanges between China and Japan in modern times,the image of Ito Hirobumi was introduced to China in the early 1880s.In the 50 years from its introduction to the late 1920s,Ito Hirobumi’s image in China can be divided into four stages.The first stage is the initial impression period.In the early 1880s,Ito Hirobumi first came to China.Ito Hirobumi made his official debut in China in 1885,with a negative initial image.The second stage is the good image building period.In the first ten years of the first sino-japanese war,the image of Ito Hirobumi changed,and a good image was built,and remained after the first sino-japanese war.The third stage is the specific image period.This stage included the movement of 1898 and preparation of the constitution two major events.It highlights the image of Ito Hirobumi as an icon of reform and a model of constitution respectively.The fourth stage is the period of comprehensive image.Ito Hirobumi was assassinated suddenly in 1909.While the good image continued to survive,the negative image of the aggressor was added.This negative image was aggravated and deepened in the later period with the Japanese invasion of China.Ito Hirobumi’s image in China was formed by the observation of the environment and perspective,the needs of the late Qing society and his own behavior.