Was globalization necessary for Japan? by Nachika

Japan, a past introvert country, has changed very much after the sudden interaction from outside world. Amazingly, it is now one of the leading country in trading and technology；there isn’t any glimpse of the past Japan now. By viewing the history, we can observe how Japan has changed and what sort of effect it had received. However, adaptation of new trends from outside worlds lead to Japan lose very much of its national tradition. With many of their traditions lost, can we still consider the globalization of Japan a positive effect?

Japan, in the past, have cut out foreign affairs due to an assumption that influences from outside world will cause corruption to their country. However, Meiji Restoration was a turning point of Japan’s modernization. After the arrival of Perry, Japan was shocked with how much they were behind with technology. Finally at 1870, the leaders of Japan had decided to catch up with the west; the beginning of the modernization of Japan. It began with simple improvement such as: building railroads, land reforming, and improving conditions of the roads. The biggest improvement was seen in the field of education. The government will send many students abroad for education and hire thousands of English speakers to teach at schools of Japan. After this restoration, many got the chance to gaining education at school.

The contractions with the outside world gave both positive and negative effects. By having connections with the outside world, it gave Japan an improvement in language, new influences in culture, and adaptation of new religion however; it took away much uniqueness from Japan.

English, a widely spoken language in the world, is very well used in Japan today. Language is one of the biggest effects Japan has received from connecting with the outside world. Also, as well as the language, many foreigners are living today at Japan; having foreigners at Japan was unimaginable. Having diversity of people at Japan can be classified as one of the significance which the modernization had led to.

On the other hand the biggest lost which Japan had been culture and nationalism. In the present day we would hardly see people wearing Kimono (Japan’s national clothing) or have Chon mage (Japan’s traditional haircut.) The reason is definitely due to the influence of west. As Japan adapted new tradition, it took over national traditions and in the modern day of Japan we can only see several that are still being practice.

              Through observation, I thought the globalization of Japan was very positive. By opening the door to the outside world, Japan was possible to gain new technology. If the interference with the outside world was slower than now, then the massive power which Japan possesses right now would not be present. Majority of the items we use in our daily life and even the people around us will be completely different therefore, I can conclude that globalization have given a great impact in a positive way.

Accepting new ideas offered Japan to lose many traits however, the changes which Japan went through were essential. I believe the globalization of Japan with the outside world was indeed important.  

Nachika Fujimoto