...Joaquin Caceres AP WORLD HISTORY ESSAY: Japan & China Between the years 1750 and 1900, China and Japan had different reactions towards the influence of western culture. Both nations had movements that incorporated Western influence and had opened a few ports in order to establish a trading connection with the western economies. However, Japan avoided a military conflict and remained powerful while China didn’t accept Western influence causing a western revolution. Also, China refused to introduce foreign influence which led to many revolts and wars while Japan continued accepting this influence. Both China and Japan had movements that introduced western ideas. In Japan, the Meji restoration was based on a German model with a democratic constitution. Some of these influences were seen in their army that incorporated western technology and in the businessmen that started to use western methods. In China during the self-strengthening movement the western influence had an impact on their society. They incorporated railroads, small scale industries, arsenal factories and they improved structure in many fields. Both nations opened ports for western trade. Japan at first had a limited interaction with western people by establishing just one port for trading. Later on the Japanese government realized that this wasn’t a smart move for their economy since trade was extremely important. The Canton System was the base on which the Chinese relied on. They set strict restrictions...
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...name] AK [company name] H120 Introduction to the History of East Asia Essay 3 Andy Ricci 622624 Word Count: 2018 H120 Introduction to the History of East Asia Essay 3 Andy Ricci 622624 Word Count: 2018 Why do we sometimes refer to the events of 1868 in Japan as a 'restoration', but to those of the years following 1911 in China as 'revolutions'? Introduction The Meiji Restoration of 1868 in Japan and the Chinese Revolution of 1911 were responsible for producing an enormous amount of upheaval in both countries. Both nations were immersed in social, political and economic backwardness. In this context, both political episodes should be construed as an attempt to reverse decline and set the course for modernization. The main thesis of this essay is based on the notion that whilst there are some similarities between both political events, the main difference resides in the fact that the Meiji Restoration began the centralization of the mechanisms of governance and induced the social and economic modernization of the country. At the same time, the Chinese Revolution of 1911 did not succeed in engendering a sound system of government capable of reversing the country’s decline. The first part of the essay will deal with the main characteristics of the Meiji restoration of 1868. The second section of the essay will outline the main features pertaining to the Chinese Revolution of 1911. The third part of the essay will examine the similarities and differences between these two events...
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...should give an overview of the way in which the essay answered the question. They frequently include a very brief summary of the main points (pieces of evidence, data, and so on) from the argument you constructed to answer the question. It is extremely important that you explain, explicitly and very clearly, precisely how the argument you have produced answered the specific question or task set in the essay title. Here are some real examples with comments: Example 1 The question: 1. ‘The most important factor in explaining Japan’s Twentieth Century international trading success has been the willingness of other countries to buy Japanese exports.’ Discuss the validity of this statement A student conclusion Therefore as long as Japanese manufacturers are encouraged to export their products to countries such as the US and as they are forced to pay high margins to distribute their products at home they will use the alternative to export them abroad as there is a ready made market for their products. The Japanese trading companies also stand ready to offer them simple, direct and efficient export distribution channels. Comment Far too short, and no mention of how the argument they constructed answered the question asked of them. Example 2 A student conclusion Japan discourages imports of manufactured goods, the only goods it allows to import is raw material and oil - which Japan cannot produce. They then use these raw materials...
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...Case 3 – Panasonic and Japan’s Changing Culture 1. What were the triggers of cultural change in Japan during the 1990s? How is cultural change starting to affect traditional values in Japan? The triggers to Japan changing culture came by way of the “new kids on the block” thinking and becoming more focused on individualism than collectivism. Those participating in the new Japan no longer believe in the Japan is moving towards more individualism than collectivism after the economic bubble. Nonetheless, this is a good opportunity for Japan to adapt to the globalization world and be more competitive. The cultural change will lead to greater mobility of employees, which means people will move around jobs more than before 1.What were triggers of culture change in Japan during the 1990s? how is cultural change starting to affect traditional values in Japan? Cultural change in Japan was triggered by the economic recession in the 1990’s. Traditional Confucian values focused on loyalty, high moral and ethical values and set the pathway for relationships with others in traditional Japanese businesses. When the generation born after 1964 lacked the same commitment to traditional Japanese value as their parents but they grew up in a world that was richer, where western ideas were beginning to make themselves felt, and where the possibilities seemed greater. They did not want to be tied to a company for life, they become a salary man. Traditional ways of doing business and...
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...China and Japan Essay As oriental countries, the West often perceives China and Japan as two countries with similar politics, economics, and social norms. What many Westerners may not realize, however, is that starting in the 19th century, Japan ended its traditional isolationist policies while China sought to become isolationist, and that this distinction strongly influenced both Japan and China's political, economic, and social responses to modernization and westernization. Politically, China and Japan's reaction to Western ideas dramatically differed. When President Fillmore sent Commodore Matthew C. Perry to Japan, the ho-shogun and his advisers first resisted the visit, but finally agreed to trade with the United States upon signing the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1858. (Cohen)As a result, Western diplomats soon inundated the Land of the Rising Sun in order to persuade the nation politically, but more importantly to them, economically. The political-diplomatic, cultural-intellectual, and socio-economic relation that followed was christened the Meiji Restoration. In general, the Japanese gradually became very receptive to the concepts of democracy, liberalism, and laissez-faire, but Meiji leaders planned to remain free of Western imperialism by negotiating with Western diplomats. They did not abandon their isolationist policies of over 200 years under the Tokugawa Shogunate only to be absorbed as a European colony; instead, they wanted to learn Western military and industrialization...
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...ABSTRACT "Worldwide, non-Western cultures faced fundamental challenges to their cultural identities-not so much a recentering of culture but a decentering of culture.” This quotation may be taken to mean something different for both cultures; namely, the United States and Japan. Much of this has been influenced by worldwide events that happened following the 19th century in both countries. Both nations have since prospered, and we are currently seeing a joining of both cultures. In fact, neither the West nor the Eastern country of Japan may be distinguished one from the other any longer. They have truly made the most of this new global environment where we find ourselves today. Almost all non-Western cultures have been influenced by the mores of the West, including countries in Asia. In general, this means that many of these cultures are becoming influenced by Western cultures, namely that of America. For example, in many Asian nations McDonalds and other American influences like Starbucks and clothing stores are coming to their countries. They are being influenced by Western culture, hence the "decentering of culture." What’s more, I spent some time in Japan a few years ago and was surprised to see such a preponderance of Western society in an area that was so far from home. However, the decentralization of Asian culture may go both ways, meaning that although we in the U.S. have influenced Japan greatly, so have they made significant gains on our shores...
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... The East Asia’ Regional Economic Integration In the past twenty years, the East Asian economies realized the freedom of foreign trade and direct investment (FDI) because of the influence of GATT/WTO and APEC and as a result, it further promotes the economic growth of East Asia. The mutual economic dependence of each countries has increased a lot and therefore, close economic cooperation among Asian countries is necessary for healthy economic development. Many countries try to deepen their cooperation by establishing agreement and carrying out negotiation or discussion (Kawai 2004). Besides, the East Asian countries want to have their own institutions where they have vital voice in decision making after the financial crisis. As a consequence, the regional economic integration become an inevitable trend. The structure of this essay is organized as follows. The first part of this essay will discuss the driving forces of East Asia’s regional economic integration, including the failure of the WTO and APEC, and the financial crisis. The second part will illustrate how regional organizations of East Asia are developed in aspect of trade cooperation and financial cooperation and then followed by the difficulties in creating a regional economic union, such as the resistance from...
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...strong work ethic, and family. All aspects of culture were shaped by these core values. They provided the "center" upon which the society and its worldview were established. “World wide, non western cultures faced fundamental challenges to their cultural identities- not so much a recentering of culture but a decentering of culture” (Sayre,2010, p.419). The recentering of culture could be described as adding more or intensifying the original values, norms, family configurations and other aspects of culture. On the other hand, the decentering of culture implies removing old values and adding new thoughts, philosophies ie changing old patterns for newer methods. Almost all non-Western cultures have been influenced by the mores of the West, including countries in Asia. In general, this means that many of these cultures are becoming influenced by Western cultures, namely that of America. For example, in many Asian nations McDonalds and other American influences like Starbucks and clothing stores are coming to their countries. They are being influenced by Western culture, hence the "decentering of culture." In Japan, it’s surprising to see such a predominance of Western society in an area that is far away from America. However, the decentralization of Asian culture may go both ways, meaning that although we in the U.S. have...
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...Ethan Watters’ essay is not so much on depression but analyzing the distinctive differences between cultures. In the essay, we are introduced to a campaign held by western pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline not just trying to open a new market for their drug but change the perception of another country on a subject. That subject being depression, conflicts arise on defining it. The narratives or theory of cultural progress is in a way subjective. The theory of one culture being more advanced, better, or years ahead of another have no base to stand on without realizing cultures themselves are indeed different to one another. GlaxoSmithKline, like many other drug companies, are confusing the idea of two cultures being incomparable to the thought of one being less than the other. This being said, what comes of companies using these narratives of culture progress? The danger of the narratives of cultural progress is the risk of our cultures misconception of illnesses being adopted by another culture we claim are behind their predetermined evolution. On one side of the coin you have the western pharmaceutical companies and on the other, countries like Japan. Depression can be defined and described differently by both sides but who is right? Should any of the two be right? US’s “depression” and Japan’s “utsubyo” mean similar things but are experienced differently by the population of both cultures. Depression is common in the US but utsubyo is not in Japan, in fact, rare...
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...Asia refers to event that arise out of the colonial and indigenous situation in the region itself. With the opening up of their colonies to international events, people became increasingly aware of nationalist movements taking place worldwide, and thus, were encouraged to do the same. It also exerted a direct influence on contemporary nationalists in Southeast Asia who were seeking to free their countries from colonial domination, as it increased self-confidence of Southeast Asia’s people. External events such as the Japanese victory in the Russo-Japanese War from 1904-1905 helped to destroy the myth of European invincibility, thus increasing confidence among the nationalist leaders, leading them to believe that they had to ability to overcome their colonial powers. It was the first time an Asian power had defeated a Western power and it boosted the confidence of the nationalist leaders in Southeast Asia. For example, Phan Boi Chau started a movement called “Dong Du” in 1908, which meant ‘eastern travel’ where he went to Japan with the aim of analysing the secrets of Japanese power. He had also as a result managed to smuggle Cuong De out of the Vietnamese court to Japan to provide royal leadership for the Vietnamese resistance against the French. Another example will be the struggle for freedom in British India, Nationalist such as Tilak, Gokhale and Gandhi were more that mere protagonists of Indian liberty. They were regarded as models for all patriots in the region,while...
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...16 October 2012 Clash of the Civilization Introduction Samuel Huntington is political scientist. His essay entitled, “The Clash of Civilization” was published in the foreign affairs in 1993. The essay is about the civilizational conflict. Civilizations are the greatest factor that will divide the world of politics, because of what we believe, religion, language and traditions. This is the reason why countries look for allies in different nations with the same beliefs. Religion is the biggest factor that will cause division and it is already proven between Christianity and Islam. From the ancient times until this very day religion and our beliefs is the cause of war, because we fight for what we believe. Rise of civilization against the other started in the ancient times. And until today, the conflict continues. It will never be solved because we have differences and those differences are what make us unique as a person and as a nation. You may hate someone because of the type of civilization, and you may also like someone because of it. Civilization is the identity of a nation. The Next Pattern of Conflict The source of conflict is not merely ideological or economical, cultural tradition is the greatest reason for division in our world. The western countries had conflicts between princes, their armies, even constitutional is because of their economic stand and the land that they ruled. During the ancient times, the Americans fought for their land because of the British...
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...History of International Relations – HIR THE ESSAY Student Name: Hoang Phuong Student ID: DVB07- 0097 - 2014 Tutor: Prof. John Welfield Topic: Why did the leaders of the Meiji government in Japan decide to construct a great empire in Asia? Analyse the implementation of Japan’s Imperial Grand Strategy during the Meiji, Taisho and early Showa eras (i.e 1868 – 1945). Why did Japan’s imperial project end in disaster? What lessons can be draw? Word count (excluding references): 3857 The world in 19th century had seen the breakdown and collapse of numerous empires and kingdoms of Europe and Asia: first The Holy Roman Empire in 1806, then the defeat of Waterloo (1815) - which marked the end of Napoleonic Era, moreover, 19th century also witnessed the decline of the Ottoman Empire. On the other hand, this paved the way for other nations like England, France, Russia or China, to rise as new powers. During that time, Japan had dynamic political changes - the hundred-years-peace concreted by the Tokugawa Shogunate could not last any longer as the spread of Western imperialism was becoming larger in Asia. Therefore, the government of the Meiji realized that: Japan should become an Empire and emerge as the paramount Asian power along with her European counterparts, to maintain the balance of power so as to develop its national interests–...
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...Business Culture in Japan “Different types of Corporate Culture” Michelle Hufman 20723 Submitted to Mr. Teruji Suzuki Date xx-01-2012 Academic Year 2011/2012 Semester: Fall «Japan's corporate culture is the product of uniquely Japanese social and Historical influences, so deeply rooted as to easily repel outside influences but Japanese corporations need to change their basic goals....» This essay will discuss nature of corporate culture in Japan, and why change is needed. Findings The Japanese business culture has been described by Beedham as a Culture that acts like a clan, in that there is a large amount of authority given to the man at the top, and in the commitment that is shown by the people around him, beedham points out that this can be evident in the way that their car factories, investment banks and government ministries are ran. This clan-like-behaviour has the effect of making decision making painfully slow, With compromises having to be met in all directions, but this is starting to Change, as the people of Japan are starting to change and have different priorities. These changes can be put down to several factors that are changing in Japanese society as a whole. The increasing and speeding up of urbanisation is one way in which corporate culture is being changed. Because of this urbanisation there is less commitment to groups as people become more individual and have their own priority in life. Marriage and family ties are also starting to loosen. Links...
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... Drea, Hans J. van de Ven, eds. The Battle for China: Essays on the Military History of the Sino-Japanese War of 1937-1945. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2010. Illustrations, maps. 664 pp. $65.00 (cloth), ISBN 978-0-8047-6206-9. Reviewed by Roger H. Brown (Saitama University) Published on H-War (December, 2012) Commissioned by Margaret Sankey The Sino-Japanese War of 1937-45 was immense both in its scale and consequences. Nevertheless, Western military histories of World War II have focused overwhelmingly on the campaigns of the European and Pacific theaters, and those specialized studies of the conflict that do exist deal primarily with such matters as diplomacy; politics; mass mobilization; and, in more recent years, Japanese atrocities and public memory. Indeed, as the editors of the volume under review attest, “a general history of the military operations during the war based on Japanese, Chinese, and Western sources does not exist in English” (p. xix). In 2004, Japanese, Chinese, and Western scholars gathered to remedy this situation and in the belief that such a close study of the operations and strategy of the Sino-Japanese War would “illustrate that, in this period, warfare drove much of what happened in the political, economic, social, and cultural spheres in China and Japan.” They further recognized that because “much of the best scholarship on WWII in East Asia is naturally produced in China and Japan,” there was a need to “bring the fruits of Chinese and...
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...Introduction International business is not just about nationalities, it is also about cultures. Cultures influence negotiation styles, values and communications. Image a situation where a Japanese supermarket manager negotiating with an American salmon supplier with their own negotiation styles: the Japanese negotiator want to extent the length of negotiation in order to seek the best result of the deal, but the American negotiator treats time as money and he/she wants to quickly reach the agreement (Evans & Richardson, 2010). This essay will firstly discuss the definitions of culture and negotiation, and then it will discuss cultural influence on negotiation and its behaviour; finally it will suggest possible strategies in addressing difficulties caused by cultural differences. This essay will argue that cultural impacts increase the difficulties of cross-culture negotiation, but negotiators can successfully manage the difficulties by increasing their knowledge of different cultures and continuously practise relevant strategies. Culture Culture is a term that can be explained in many different ways. According to Alon and Brett (2007), culture is a process of socialisation that people learn a shared pattern of behaviour and affective understandings. These patterns distinguish one group of people from another. Carrell, Shank and Barbero (2009) also state that culture is not physical elements but the perceptions that members consider them. People from the same culture usually...
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