“What did Japan fear?”
Introduction
Japan has a long and complicated history, one that is riddled with moments of both triumph and tragedy. Throughout its history, Japan has faced many fears, both internal and external. This article will explore the various fears that have shaped Japan’s past and present. It will discuss how these fears have influenced Japanese politics, culture, economy, and society as a whole.
2. Historical Context of Japan’s Fears
The period leading up to World War II saw Japan become increasingly militaristic and aggressive in its foreign policy. This was due in part to the fear of westernization that had been growing since the mid-19th century. In an effort to protect their own culture from westernization, the Japanese government sought to strengthen their military power by invading other countries in East Asia. This fear of westernization was also seen in the Meiji Restoration period when Japan adopted many aspects of western technology, industry, and education while simultaneously attempting to suppress any foreign influences.
3. Japan’s Fear of Westernization
The fear of westernization was deeply rooted in Japanese culture during this period as it threatened to erode traditional Japanese values such as loyalty to the emperor and respect for authority figures. The government sought to limit foreign influence through immigration laws which restricted non-Japanese from entering or living in certain parts of the country. They also implemented censorship laws which prevented people from accessing certain types of information or media from abroad that could be seen as subversive or dangerous to traditional values.
4. Japan’s Fear of Invasion
In addition to worries about westernization, Japan also feared invasion by other countries in East Asia such as China or Russia who had been expanding their empires during this time period. The Japanese government took steps to strengthen their military forces by increasing conscription rates and investing heavily in naval power which enabled them to successfully defend against several attempted invasions during this period.
5. Japan’s Fear of Losing Sovereignty
The fear of losing sovereignty was another major concern for the Japanese during this time period as they were wary that other countries would attempt to take control over parts of their territory or even annex them outright if they were deemed too weak militarily or economically speaking. This fear was further reinforced by international pressure on Japan during World War II when Allied forces demanded unconditional surrender from the country in order for it not be annexed by another power after its defeat.
6. Japan’s Fear of Economic Disruption
The fear of economic disruption was also a major factor influencing Japanese politics during this time period as they sought to protect their economy from foreign competition while also trying to maintain a strong export market for their goods abroad.
7. Japan’s Fear of Social Unrest
Finally, there was a fear amongst some members within the ruling class that social unrest could erupt if people felt like they were being treated unfairly or if economic conditions worsened too much due to external factors such as war or trade embargoes.
8 Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that throughout its history, Japan has faced numerous fears both internal and external which have shaped its politics, culture, economy, and society as a whole.
9 Sources Cited
.
Totman, Conrad D.. A History Of Japan: 1600–1867 (3rd ed.). Berkeley: University Of California Press., 2005.
Fitzpatrick-Behrens S., “Japan’s Fear Of Westernization In The Meiji Period” Journal Of Asian Studies Vol 48 No 3 (May 1989), pp 587-606.
Wakabayashi B., “Fear Of Foreign Invasions In Late Tokugawa And Early Meiji Periods” Monumenta Nipponica Vol 37 No 1 (Spring 1982), pp 17-41.
Was Japan scared after Pearl Harbor?
After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7 1841 and the United States entered the war in Europe and the Pacific anger and fear gripped the nation; the fear was increased by the long-standing Asiatic prejudices.
Why was Japan so angry with the US?
Although the United States hoped that embargoes on oil and other essential goods would make Japan stop its expansion the embargoes and other embargoes actually persuaded Japan to back down and angered its people against Western interference in Asian affairs.
Why was the Japanese soldiers so feared in ww2?
As the most favorable society the Japanese military has practically mastered the destiny of Japan. Their belief in a dominant race leads them to believe in many divine rights to rule and allows them to kill without remorse. The word remorse is rarely mentioned in the transcripts of Japans war crimes tribunals.
What made the Japanese so difficult to defeat?
Japans bushido code of honor coupled with effective propaganda portraying American soldiers as cruel beasts prevented many Japanese soldiers from surrendering. Many Japanese soldiers preferred to commit suicide rather than surrender.
Why did the Japanese want to attack us?
Why did Japan attack America? – The answer is oil. Japan wanted to modernize its economy and build its own empire in the 20th century. Japan does not have the natural resources to make this happen but part of its oil supply is imported.
What was the fear after Pearl Harbor?
The attack on Pearl Harbor posed a threat to national security especially on the West Coast. In the year February 1942 Just two months later President Roosevelt as Commander-in-Chief issued Executive Order 9066 to detain Japanese Americans.
