Modern Japan “The Rise of the Rising Sun”

Divinity of Japanese Emperor Emperor Jimmu founded the Japanese imperial state in 660 B.C. Emperor embodies the native religion of Shinto and rules the state by devine purpose.

Japan’s Dual Government In 1192, the Emperor appoints a Shogun to stop warfare with neighboring states. Shogun ruled with lesser military lords. Samurai (warrior class) were expected to protect him and Japan at all cost.

The Tokugawa Shogunate Est. by 1600, got rid of Christian missionaries and closed Japan’s borders to foreigners for the next 250 yrs! The Japanese economy flourished without the competition and the culture grew strong.

The Fall of the Shogunate Conflict between traditional Samurai and growing wealthy merchant classes. American Matthew Perry, forces Japan to open to international trade.

1858 the Shogun dies without a heir the Shogunates are overthrown by Japanese who want to restore the Emperor to power. Ending 700 years of Shogunate rule.

The Meiji Restoration ( ) Restore 16 year old Emperor and give him along with the Diet, supreme power. Diet: Japanese version of a parliament.

The Meiji aggressively pursued western ideas. –Leaders traveled to the west –Quickly decided they should imitate western success. –Everything from technology, military, baseball, and golf.

The Rise of Japanese Empire Copied western powers and looked to grab land in Asia. “Enrich the country, strengthen the military” Prior to WWII they defeated China and Russia gaining territory in Korea, Taiwan, and Manchuria.

Japanese and WWII Leaders believed that Japan’s dependence on other countries for resources made them vulnerable. Attack U.S. at Pearl Harbor and join the axis powers.

The Japanese fought to the death only surrendering after the dropping of atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. U.S. bombing destroyed about 25% of all factories and 20% of all houses. Japanese also forced to give up all colonies!

Japan’s New Constitution U.S. Forces occupied Japan, removed its military, and set up a democracy. Created a Constitution which the Diet agreed on, denounced war as a foreign policy! “No other conquered people in history have ever been treated more humanely and benefited more at the hands of its conquerors.”

Emperor no longer an absolute divine ruler descendent from the gods, but a symbol of the state and unity of the people.” Forced to publicly denounce divinity.

Economic Success ( s) Lots of research Quality control Korean war = more demand for goods Increase in exports Increased consumption, helps economy –In 1950 only 48,000 private cars. –In 1969 there were 6.9 million!

The Economic Miracle Exports raised from $19 billion in 1970 to $270 billion by 1989! Produced ¼ of all cars. #1 producer of electronics. By 1991 Japan had the worlds highest per capita Gross National Product. Consumers willingly pay high prices to protect Japanese businesses.

Cartoon Activity In pairs or individually create a cartoon that demonstrates the journey of Japan into the economic powerhouse that it is today. TIPS: –Use your notes –Make it a multiple stage cartoon –Use the funny pages as an example