This chapter will discuss the Meiji Revolution, or Restoration, (1867–68), which we may consider as a crucial event in the history of Japan. My interpretation of the Meiji Revolution diverges to a considerable extent from that held by most Japanese historians, but it has much in common with the interpretation of Western historiography, although there are differences in emphasis. The views widely accepted in Japan more or less adhere to Marxian historical theory, but I am of the opinion that modern Japanese history is too unique to be adequately explained by Marxist theory.

Most momentous events in history have particular central themes, and that of the Meiji Revolution is ‘laying the foundation for the building of a modern state on the Western model’. The establishment of such a state has continued to be the earnest desire of the Japanese people, but it is such a difficult aim for them to achieve that even in the distant future they will continue to experience problems that arise from it.

The Japanese have interpreted this theme of building a Westernstandard modern state in a material–physical, and not a spiritual, sense, and so, despite the rapid external and formal westernisation of science, technology, education, economics, the armed forces and political forms, spiritual changes have lagged far behind. Rather, as the phrase wakon yōsai (Japanese spirit with Western ability) indicates, the reaction has been an intense rejection of Western spiritual ideas. The Japanese have ardently desired to retain their culture, their way of life, the specific relationship between superior and inferior, and their family structure, yet simultaneously to build a modern nation endowed with power that is comparable to that of Western countries.