How Japan Became a Great Power in Only 40 Years (1865 - 1905) // Japanese History Documentary

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00:00 Introduction
04:20 The End of the Beginning
10:31 Japan Meets The World
18:00 Business Opportunities
20:33 Meat
24:57 Upgrading The Military
30:22 Rebellion
37:11 Big in the West
44:36 Climbing the Ladder
48:15 Tension with the West
52:58 The First Rank of Nations
Written by Thomas Lockley.
Check out his book on Yasuke: www.amazon.com/-/es/Geoffrey-...
Edited and narrated by David Kelly.
Art by Matthew Cartwright.
- Music courtesy of:-
Epidemic Sound
Artlist.io
Bibliography:
Beasley, William. 1995. Japan Encounters the Barbarian. Japanese Travellers in America
and Europe. New Haven and London: Yale University Press.
Bird, Isabella. 2006. Unbeaten Tracks in Japan. Saitama: Japan and Stuff Press.
Checkland, Olive. 2003. Japan and Britain after 1859 - Creating Cultural Bridges. London
and New York: Routledge.
Cwiertka, Katarzyna. 2006. Modern Japanese Cuisine. Food, Power and National Identity.
London: Reaktion Books.
De Coningh, Assendelft. 2012. A Pioneer in Yokohama. A Dutchman’s Adventures in the
New Treaty Port. Indianapolis and Cambridge: Hackett Publishing.
Downer, Lesley. 2003. Madame Sadayakko. The Geisha who Bewitched the West. New York:
Gotham Books.
Esposito, Gabriele. 2020. Japanese Armies 1868-1877. Oxford: Osprey Publishing.
Fukuzawa, Yukichi and Kiyooka, Eiichi (tr.) 1966. The Autobiography of Yukichi Fukuzawa.
New York: Columbia University Press.
Gardiner, Michael. 2007. At the Edge of Empire. The Life of Thomas Blake Glover.
Edinburgh: Birlinn.
Hillsborough, Romulus. 2005. Shinsengumi. The Shogun's Last Samurai Corps. Tokyo, Rutland, and Singapore: Tuttle.
Jacob, Frank. 2014. Japanism, Pan-Asianism and Terrorism. A Short History of the Amur
Society (The Black Dragons) 1901-1945.
Bethesda, Dublin and Palo Alto: Academica.
Jansen, Marius. 1994. Sakamoto Ryoma and the Meiji Restoration. New York: Columbia
University Press.
Jansen, Marius. 2000. The Making of Modern Japan. Cambridge, MA and London: The
Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.
Koyama, Noboru. 2007. Japanese Tattooists and the British Royal Family during the Meiji
Period, in Britain and Japan Biographical Portraits Volume VI (Hugh Cortazzi ed.) Folkestone: Global Oriental.
Kokaze, Hidemasa. 2011. ‘The Political Space of Meiji 22 (1889): The Promulgation of the
Constitution and the Birth of the Nation.’ Japan Review, 23, 119-41.
Lloyd, Arthur. 1905. Admiral Togo. Tokyo: Kinkodo.
McArthur, Ian. 2013. Henry Black. On Stage in Meiji Japan. Victoria: Monash University.
Mihalopoulos, Bill. 2011. Sx in Japan’s Globalization, 1870-1930. London and New York:
Routledge.
Nakae, Chomin, and Tsuki, Nobuko (tr.) 1999. A Discourse by Three Drunkards on
Government. New York and Tokyo: Weatherhill.
Nimura, Janice. 2015. Daughters of the Samurai. A Journey from East to West and Back. New York and London: W. W. Norton and Company.
Swale, Alistair. 2000. The Political Thought of Mori Arinori. A Study in Meiji Conservatism. Richmond: Japan Library.
Wilson, George. 1992. Patriots and Redeemers in Japan. Motives in the Meiji Restoration.
Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.
Image credits:
Treaty of Portsmouth By World Imaging - Own work, photographed at Japan Foreign Ministry archives, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Allegory of inflation PHGCOM, pre-1868 anonymous Japanese artist, CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/..., via Wikimedia Commons
Hakodate Castle By 京浜にけ at Japanese Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Imperial Palace Moat By Kakidai - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
内閣府, CC BY 4.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/..., via Wikimedia Commons
Utagawa Image By Rawpixel - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Treaty By World Imaging - Own work, photographed at Japan Foreign Ministry Archives, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
High School Class By takato marui from Osaka, Japan - 神奈川工業高校, CC BY-SA 2.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
We try to use copyright free images at all times. However if we have used any of your artwork or maps then please don't hesitate to contact me and we’ll be more than happy to give the appropriate credit.

[@VoicesofthePast]

Big shout out to Thomas Lockley, the genius behind these long form Japan documentaries. His book on Yasuke is available on Amazon, and is similarly excellent: www.amazon.com/African-Samurai-Yasuke-Legendary-Warrior/dp/1335141022

[@gloryfire2161]

Do you think you can do 55 days at Peking

[@OrbitalAstronaut]

Really great video. Enjoyed watching it immensely.

[@superhans85]

Wow absolutely world class. Top top production

[@andyacreman]

Hi, there is a mistake in the opening minute of the video. Nelson did not cross the T of the Spanish armada. Crossing the T was not a thing in Nelsons time as the navel guns had too short a range for "crossing the T" to work. In fact if you were going to say either side crossed the T it would be Nelson who had his T crossed as his ships were sailing towards an enemy force arrayed perpendicular to his fleets direction of travel.

[@nobilesnovushomo58]

A little correction on that famine part being due to over demand for domestic produce... I don’t think many lords were so inept that they could overlook their charges... remember Japan was also prone to warring factions and for substantial portions of time these factions would even put the emperor in a place of being incapable to exact any real political influence above such characters as the shogun at times, and local farmers wouldn’t have surrendered their produce if they couldn’t feed themselves. I’m not so certain about the negative effects of opening up to trade either, A lot of what would be considered eclectic and esoteric trades probably vanished and quite a bit of a people in the ensuing influx of more modern methods melded with domestic Craftsman experience. There might’ve been famine but they were for other reasons

[@FlashPointHx]

Meiji restoration is one of the most impressive examples of how a society can transcend the entire industrial revolution in 40 years. Just incredible focus and raw determination on steroids

[@mwanikimwaniki6801]

The Asians are skilled at this.

[@offtraileddino5989]

Far better than the Cultural Revolution in Mao's Communist China.

[@deadby15]

@@offtraileddino5989 in all fairness, every country has a few dark chapters.

[@jonseilim4321]

@@offtraileddino5989 Rather, the Meiji Revolution should be compared to Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms. Which we can all agree, was a economic miracle.

[@nanajiji765]

Meiji Restoration was a takeover from within by today's world rulers without blood and war/fight.

[@joshuagreenwood6621]

Honestly one of the best written and narrated historical documentaries I've seen in a long time, not just on KZbin but anywhere.

[@barrydysert2974]

AGREED! 🖖

[@iblendallday]

Where else can I find work like this?

[@quinnsengstake8085]

Fax

[@MajorMalfunction]

Way better than anything you see on TV these days.

[@VoicesofthePast]

@@nres1 No.

[@lucasglowacki4683]

My great grandfather fought in the Russo-Japanese war. He was Polish but conscripted into the Russian army as it was their territory at the time. Gouged out his own eye to avoid conscription but they took him anyway! He disappeared for decades and found his family again after years in Asia. My father didn’t meet him until he was already in his 80’s. Lived well into his 90’s. What a life!

[@lightfootwind4068]

@lucas -- he lived in japan/china? most likely japan which was more receptive.

[@paritoshdaurwal9484]

What a life indeed.👍

[@OrgBrent]

Poland's been through a ton, trying to be just Poland, hasn't it?

[@atb2674]

worth making into a book if u can scrounge up his story. But they rarely share their horrific experiences, so hopefully he had a diary

[@CriticalAfricanThinkers]

What a tough SOB

[@gorotv5826]

The reason Japan became a Great Power in the blink of an eye was that the education, culture and economy of the Edo period were at a high level. Before Japan was modernized, it was the most urbanized country in the world, and the common people were active in the economy, and the literacy rate of the Japanese was the highest in the world. And compared to other Asian countries, each domain had stronger decentralization of power, so many talented people existed in the provinces, and they were able to lead the modernization of the Meiji period even after the Tokugawa Shogunate, the central government, collapsed.

[@kpimkpim349]

The main factor is its history of being next to China. Japan knows how to stand next to an advanced overwhelming force and how important it is to stay on-par and ve resourceful with less. Japan has had many Meiji restorations. The most recent was the rapid adjustment to American hegemony after WWII in contrast with the rapid adjustment to European hegemony in this doc. Japan is skilled at dismantling and reassembling itself to remain strong in the world order. It has occassionally tried to be #1 but typically positions itself as a valuable #2.

[@user-hl1wq2lc8q]

@@kpimkpim349 China at this time was ruled by a different ethnic group, the Manchu, so the level of social stability was different.

[@gamechanger8908]

@@user-hl1wq2lc8q His point still stands, China for most of it's history has had a massive sphere of influence and it being an economic powerhouse, so much so that European countries went on to sail to China and South East Asia because of the blockade over the silk road.

Yes. Japanese had far higher literacy than Chinese

[@god-son-love]

@@kpimkpim349 China was an agriculture empire that refuse industrialization like Russia. It's labor was abundant and the geography allows isolationism. The Chinese emperor refused to learn from the west. Chinese market was so big that British and French merchants took advantage of the trade and didn't want to wake the sleeping dragon.

[@ChessedGamon]

We’ve upgraded to secondary sources now boys

[@ChessedGamon]

@epiphronn A primary source is a historical description from firsthand observers, whereas a secondary source is a collection of these accounts into a single cohesive narrative, so like books or documentaries. This channel mostly reads primary sources, and is now making a documentary.

[@ChessedGamon]

@@wdsftygt it's a fake name I derived from the word "gaming" I'm American, so I've never heard of that word before

[@grimmfandango832]

@@wdsftygt Gammon is pork. What is wrong with you?

[@ErenTheWarcriminal]

@@ChessedGamon I thought your name was a combination of the games chess and backgammon

[@bryanthardin8481]

@@ErenTheWarcriminal throw in shuffleboard and you'd have the ultimate old people passtime

[@Raul_Menendez]

1940 Germany: Prepare for trouble. Japan: Make it double. Italy: Meowth, thats right.

[@tashahatzidakis5680]

Fetus

[@miliba]

Romania: Wooobuffet!

[@SneedPatch]

Finland is Jessie’s Lickitung that was traded away and never heard from again

[@ronitdey6613]

Meanwhile Britain : We taught you all of that bitches.

[@kennygnav3796]

Holy shi*! Super underrated comment 🤣🤣🤣

[@NoobNoobNews]

Japanese culture and European technology was the most terrifying combination.

[@saidadam]

Love this comment!

[@user-qd3lc7zb6n]

Feudal dudes with Colt revolvers and katanas

[@poilochien]

@@user-qd3lc7zb6n ancien regime with strong industrialisation ...

[@eodyn7]

@Sacred Squadron SAS Japan was never treated as an equal. They were just treated as better than the other savage countries.

[@user-sx5ze8oq3k]

@Sacred Squadron SAS The refusal of the Racial Equality Proposal in 1919 and the Asian Ban Act in the 1920s (specifically aimed at the japanese) in the US says the contrary.

[@abcd6473]

素晴らしいドキュメントを作ってくれて、日本人として感謝します 取り上げるテーマが面白くて日本人としても勉強になったし、なによりコンテンツとしてのクオリティがすごい

[@ronmaximilian6953]

If the tears of defeat are a harsh teacher, the Glee of victory can lead to hubris and delusion. The next 40 years would teach a whole other set of lessons.

[@anthonydolan3740]

Well said!

[@wtfbros5110]

I doubt Japan saw this war as a victory, considering the meddling of the Great Powers during negotiations

[@reynaldoflores4522]

I must point out that after another 40 years, the period from 1945 to 1985, Japan had miraculously risen from the defeat of war to again become the greatest nation in Asia. Japan had also renounced its militaristic past and taken her rightful place among the nations as one of the defenders of freedom and democracy. Japan has since and is still pouring millions of dollars in aid to the impoverished 3rd world countries. Yes, my friend, the 40 years since 1945 had taught Japan many valuable lessons.

[@ronmaximilian6953]

@@reynaldoflores4522 unfortunately, the period from 1985 or at least 1993 until now have not been so kind to Japan. Japan managed to LeapFrog the world in social issues becoming the first major industrial country to have negative population growth and consequent loss of dynamism and economic potential.

[@blahblahblahblah2837]

@@ronmaximilian6953 Given their see-sawing history over the past 100 years, as summarised by the previous comments, perhaps we will see a rebirth and a great leap once again in Japan soon

[@bluewatson4341]

A former samurai using strategy from Nelson- Togo is the meji restoration personified.

[@grandadmiralzaarin4962]

It's just a shame Imperial Japan would steadily abandon Togo's honorable treatment of enemies and civilians.

[@illeagle9560]

I don't believe he was a Samurai, he was supposedly the descendent of one.

[@illeagle9560]

Actually you're correct, he claimed to be the descendant of a famous samurai, I just misread thinking that meant he claimed samurai heritage. Sorry about that

[@sampuatisamuel9785]

@@illeagle9560 Same difference, the point is that he has warrior genes

[@illeagle9560]

@@sampuatisamuel9785 I don't remember asking

[@user-ql8cg2fo2m]

After all, there were human resources in Japan at that time. It was the low-ranking Japanese samurai who opened the door to modernizing Japan, but I think they had the wisdom and courage. They had the courage and conviction to get things done at the expense of their lives, but they themselves almost died without tasting the fruits of modernizing Japan. But their name remains long, they lived in belief, not for life or money.

[@ahniksarkar925]

Pre-WW2 Japanese history is a bit overshadowed by their role in WW2. It is impressive that Japan reached such social mobility in such a short amount of time but some people just remember Japan during and after WW2.

[@user-ql8cg2fo2m]

@@ahniksarkar925The reason Japan modernized was because the United States, Britain and others demanded the opening of the country, US and British warships came to Japan and fired threatening cannons, and told Japan to open the country. The Japanese were surprised to see the warship. I thought that Japan had to have warships like Britain and the United States, and that was the entrance to Japan's modernization. However, I think that Japan's military power has increased, leading to a fateful war with the United States and Britain. The United States and Britain did not allow the Yellow race to have great military power.

[@user-ql8cg2fo2m]

@@ahniksarkar925 As you say, war has traditionally been the last resort of diplomatic means. However, due to the increasing power of weapons, after World War I, it was transformed into a mass-killing war involving civilians other than military personnel. In particular, I learned that nuclear weapons were developed at the end of World War II, and that the United States conducted a field experiment in Hiroshima, causing tremendous damage. Nuclear weapons are excessive weapons, and a war using nuclear weapons will cause radiation damage to neighboring countries and will ruin not only the countries at the time of the war but also neighboring countries.

[@ahniksarkar925]

@@user-ql8cg2fo2m Well yes. That's why we have international treaties and so many international organizations to deal with nuclear weapons. Weapons have become so powerful that it's impossible to recover from a full blown nuclear war. Hopefully Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings would be the last use of nuclear weapons ever in war.

[@user-ql8cg2fo2m]

@@ahniksarkar925 Thank you for your wishes. The use of nuclear weapons destroys everything, even the survival of mankind, when it is used in large quantities, I, you, my family and everyone in the community will disappear. I also pray God not to use it. As Christ said, "love your neighbor" is a priority, and I think the use of nuclear weapons is the worst devil's choice. It may seem exaggerated, but it is important to pray for the well-being of mankind and the well-being of yourself and your family.

[@jonathanorillo8721]

The link between beer and Mitsubishi (maker of the Japanese Zero) was such a delight. I was even more surprised that eating niku was a recent thing in Japan.

[@alexroselle]

imagining a Zero carrying a drop tank full of Mitsubishi beer instead of gas

[@kaltaron1284]

Mitsubishi pretty much produced anything. I liked the picure of some greased gears in the video when talking about that. Having friends in the right positions can really pay dividends.

[@sampuatisamuel9785]

@@kaltaron1284 Well it worked both ways :he supplied the guns which helped the Meiji forces to prevail over the Shougunare forces...

[@kaltaron1284]

@@sampuatisamuel9785 Yep, a very productive business relationship.

[@eeeeeeeeeeef]

You can visit Nagasaki and see glovers's house still standing!

[@VoicesofthePast]

Hello all! Hope you enjoy this documentary adventure, been a joy to work on. Back to primary sources next week, insights into the life of a Manchu soldier. See you there!

[@CMDR.Gonzo.von.Richthofen]

Thank you! I've been looking forward to this one! Keep up the good work!

[@yaleyoon6856]

Ooh life in Manchuria was not good, assuming you're talking about Manchuko when Japan conquered it 1931-1945. A fairly appropriate subject with this documentary!

[@VoicesofthePast]

@@yaleyoon6856 No, 17th century - mixing it up! China on Korea coming next month I think.

[@johnlastname8752]

This was amazingly done. Super excited for the next video!

[@yaleyoon6856]

@@VoicesofthePast Oh my bad! I was totally wrong! Okay now that's more of my interest: 17th cen. Jurchen/Manchu soldiers led by Nurhaci or Hongtaizi attacking Ming China and/or Joseon Korea I'm assuming?

[@stephenmichalski2643]

Damn......I don't think I've ever seen/heard anything on KZbin as good as this was. A serious work of art. To say it was excellent wouldn't come close to doing it justice.

[@barrydysert2974]

AGREED! 🖖

[@folcwinep.pywackett8517]

AGREED 2!

[@k-matsu]

Well . . . the historical accuracy is a bit weak (2:20　". . . not even wheeled vehicles"? That's a joke, right? FWIW Japanese banks existed throughout the Edo period, and Japan was a unified country before any of Europe's current countries even existed. Its first overseas embassy (to China) was in the first century BC. By 1100 the entire country apart from Hokkaido was under a single ruler - it is the oldest monarchy in the world. In the mid-1800s the estimated literacy rate was 80% (yes... and around 70% among WOMEN). So why would you toss in a bunch of unnecessary comments about how "primitive" the country is Quote: ". . . with no banks ... foreign relations ... even wheeled vehicles. Japan was yet to become a unified nation." I guess this eleventh-century print is a fake? sarasina.jp/upload/save_image/01111554_569351be97792.jpg I agree it is a generally well produced video. But beware of believing all the details. That thing about Japan "not having wheeled vehicles" is just one of many minor but nevertheless disappointing anti-facts that detract from an otherwise good narrative.

[@Black-Sun_Kaiser]

Agree

[@richardsagala3186]

Absolutely, Great piece of work

[@emirkarakaya7070]

As a MA student in Modern Japanese History, I am fascinated with the quality of this documentary! Great visuals and excellent content! I will suggest this video to my undergrad students and other friends who would like to watch an introductory documentary on Japanese modernization

[@Ixyon77]

So as a MA student in Modern Japanese History I'd like to know your thoughts about the voluntarily erased historical part of commander Perry which is described in this so called "documentary" as an opportunity for Japan.

[@emirkarakaya7070]

@@Ixyon77 Well, this is actually a good question to discuss. I think it mentions Perry, it does not narrate his arrival, which you can find in many accounts and works on Japanese modernization, both academic and fictional(tv dramas, movies etc.). Which part of Perry's arrival you think is missing?

[@Ixyon77]

@@emirkarakaya7070 The one where he shoots at the Japanese to force them to open several harbors to make unfair trade with them... This part is not missing for nothing... I personally thought this was the real day of infamy but never been mentioned by the Americans. We all know why.

[@emirkarakaya7070]

@@Ixyon77 You mean the use of gunboat diplomacy. It is actually mentioned in many works published in English. I think this documentary is looking into other sources and focusing on the bigger picture and process. There are other works on Japan's struggle with extraterritoriality, so this one is not one of them :)

[@Ixyon77]

@@emirkarakaya7070 Agree but to start the documentary by saying Perry was a good opportunity for Japan sounds a little bit unconfortable for my ears... As I know well it wasn't.

[@osmanlisuleyman9909]

A great document regarding an important moment for Japanese history. Much respect for Japan from Turkey🇯🇵🇹🇷

[@mudshovel289]

Both are non western countries that escaped colonization by modernization.

[@leonardinomata32]

I love turkey and japan, turkish ice cream are my fav ice creams

[@lesdodoclips3915]

@@mudshovel289 turkey was an empire stronger than any European one for a long time

[@Negitorodondesu]

I love Turkey. From Japan. 🇯🇵🤝🇹🇷

[@MiroNyholm-mj7hd]

Finally.

[@penguasakucing8136]

Rozhestvensky to Togo: Thank you for getting rid of the Kamchatka. Life's much more peaceful when you don't need to throw binoculars off-board.

[@kensin7244]

Greetings fellow Drach aficinado ;-D

[@FortuneZer0]

:) I see you also partake in hours long ramblings of a dragon.

[@ronmaximilian6953]

To be fair, there finally were Japanese torpedo boats.

[@FortuneZer0]

@@ronmaximilian6953 There are ALWAYS japanese torpedo boats.

[@ronmaximilian6953]

@@FortuneZer0 I think we now know who's been drinking the alcohol from the compass fluid. 🤣🤣

[@red_nikolai]

I wept a little at the end of part 2 in this video. Instead of reveling in spite and resentment, Japan learned from those who were greater. Instead of merely trying to copy the western nations, they improved upon what they learned and maintained some of their own cultural goods. For all the pain they endured and caused in this change, its essence is one of the most right and beautiful things I've seen. I wish for friendship and cultural exchange between our countries to run strong so long as we exist.

[@montrealrappersarealltrash4288]

There’s one proverb take the best and get inspired by it and leave the rest.

[@mikistjep]

What about your Anglo brother?

[@wtfbros5110]

1921 Oof

[@Antonin1738]

Yeah but they also tried to take over most of Asia after this war. China, Korea, Manchurian lands/Mongolia. All the way to the south east like the Philippines, and further west into the Malayan/Java Islands into Ayuthaya/Vietnam Proper. Even got a foothold in India eventually.

[@jonseilim4321]

And Japan proceeded to brutalise, rape and massacre it's way across East and South East Asia.

[@ptptpt123]

This is amongst my all time favourite history videos. Not just macro view, but you get to experience the room back then, hear interactions, view things as they saw it. This is gold.

[@capmidnite]

The Battle of Tsushima actually laid the groundwork for a future Japanese disaster. It convinced the Japanese military that a decisive battle which destroyed the bulk of a powerful enemy's ships would eliminate its will to fight. The Z flag was flown on the flagship Akagi, during the attack on Pearl Harbor, as an explicit reference to the Z flag flown by Admiral Togo and his subsequent victory.

[@annedrieck7316]

Battle of tsushima makes me hungry for some sushi!

[@civilengineer3349]

I think there's a bit of psychology at play. The Japanese before the Russo Japanese War had an attitude of knowing they were fighting an uphill battle. By the time world War 2 was about to end, the Japanese had become so overconfident from their many victories against the British Empire, French Empire, Dutch empire, and the United States, that they even after steadily facing defeat after defeat in the Pacific and seeing their cities firebombed; they believed they could still turn around the war if they just kept fighting because they believed the "samurai spirit" could make them outlast any other countries will to fight longer. Turns out they were wrong lol

[@theobarretoteles4206]

@@civilengineer3349 lol, now you remembered me that this premise is in every single shounen manga and anime... A samurai spirit outlasting every single deadly blow

[@deketk5227]

Didn't think that the US would drop the power of the sun on them...twice

[@DestroyingCrack]

I mean the decisive battle was THE naval theory for a hundred years all over the world formally since Mahan but a good deal earlier as well.

[@sickperfection6956]

Absolutely brilliant content!!! This puts the History Channel to shame, I can’t wait for the next one!

[@mayorgeneralramirez1997]

It isn't excessively hard to put the HC to shame

[@wahyuindrasto8307]

@@mayorgeneralramirez1997 *Still absolutely brilliant content, including outstanding visuals and illustration.*

[@SergipeCycling]

History Channel is perfectly capable of embarrassing itself without any help.

[@worried9755]

History channel is a trash. Propaganda tools of the ds and nwo. Controlled opposition drifters

[@theodorekorehonen]

Yeah comparing this to duck dynasty makes an easy match

[@TechWechSech]

This is a great documentary. It doesn't just list the facts about what happened but it shows those facts through the eyes of those who made it happen and lived through them. Both fact and perspective are needed to understand history, and this film underlines that brilliantly.

[@sonicluffypucca96]

"The rise of Japan to a world power during the past 80 years is the greatest miracle in world history. The mighty empires of antiquity, the major political institutions of the Middle Ages and the early modern era, the Spanish Empire, the British Empire, all needed centuries to achieve their full strength. Japan's rise has been meteoric. After only 80 years, it is one of the few great powers that determine the fate of the world." --Albrecht Fürst von Urach, "The Secret of Japan's Strength",1942

[@ignacio4159]

It is far easier to travel a road when you can see the lines others made before you

[@AKu-xs5vg]

@@ignacio4159 one could say the same for Europe as well.

[@blockmasterscott]

They pretty much used a road map though, with all the European advisers being an example.

[@sonicluffypucca96]

@@blockmasterscott China and Thailand also tried the same process though. China had corrupt leaders who misused and abused resources, while Thailand modernized just so it could maintain its independence. Japan on the otherhand, modernized, not only to maintain its sovereignty but to also become a power that could compete or even surpass the West.

[@blockmasterscott]

@@sonicluffypucca96 and I agree 100%. Japan not only followed the road map, they were also very successful at it.

[@HaydnHaendel]

It might not be an historical documentary per se. It's more like an impressionist portrait of the history of Japan, done painting with its sources. I truly enjoied it, many thanks.

[@Ixyon77]

Of course it's not a documentary. Portraying the arrival of Perry as an opportunity for Japan and then skip everything of what happened until 14 years after his arrival is what we can call Propaganda...

[@sampuatisamuel9785]

Very enjoyable

[@melwinjohny7263]

@@Ixyon77 what happened

[@Ixyon77]

@@melwinjohny7263 Can't you make your own research mate ? See how the US military politics proceeds nowadays and just make it on the proportions of the 19th century...

[@bushy9780]

@Not Convinced yeah very left leaning for sure. I don't think the feminism was too strong actually but the veganism/vegetarianism was palpable, enough to make me gag.

[@yoricusrex]

Sometimes I wish my country went through something like this. We're in shambles despite being the only nation in Southeast Asia to avoid being colonized.

[@feastguy101]

You are from Thailand, then, correct? Believe me, it could be a lot worse. My country was the first Western country to establish an embassy in Thailand :)

[@feastguy101]

@DiscordChaos Portugal

[@gaconc1]

Thailand was spared by Britain and France. No SEA countries has changed yet

[@noverdinho]

@@gaconc1 Singapore tho, is the exemption of SEA XD

[@gaconc1]

@@noverdinho you mean the rich North Korea?

[@rogerward9492]

I ❤️ Japan from London 🇬🇧

[@-spudman2.054]

@Idk Idk don't be silly he's from London, that means he's definitely not English.

[@daron6616]

Not wanting to be colonized by a foreign nation was also a great incentive for the Japanese to modernize their country.

[@kaltaron1284]

They had a quick look at China and said "Nope, anything but that."

[@user-OMANGEMANGE]

I'm Japanese. "In the late 1800s, the Japanese were all active learners, all striving to make the most advanced foreign technology their own, in order to avoid coming under Western domination and to rebel against the discriminatory treaties they were forced to sign." I was taught this in elementary school. Now I understand very well that the reason for Japan's rapid development is not that simple, but at the time I did not doubt it.

[@polaris1985]

They probably read about how India was being sucked dry and decided not to let the westerners decide Japans fate

[@user-fe5vw1wr1l]

大作先生！？

[@mokoulizst270]

大作先生ご存命でしたか

[@user-OMANGEMANGE]

@@mokoulizst270 俺予想だともう死んでる

[@SFTMoon]

@@user-OMANGEMANGE死んじゃいましたね。

[@spyral00]

I can't believe how good your documentaries are. So much better than anything on TV. Straight to the point, clear, no fake drama added just for the effect. Outstanding work!

[@melocitysolo9574]

In Japan, since the Edo period before the Meiji Restoration, the national literacy rate was by far the highest in the world. They knew that education was the most important thing for the nation. Surprisingly, mathematics was all the rage among the common people in the Edo period. From children to women to the elderly, regardless of age or class, they became obsessed with creating and solving esoteric mathematical problems. When they solved a very esoteric problem, they would celebrate it and dedicate it to the shrine. And there is respect for every profession, and people continue to pursue perfection in their work with pride. This is called "kaizen" today. It is only natural that Japan quickly embraced science and technology, industrialized, and became a great power.

[@peterdevalk7929]

Completely IGNORING the by far most important western influence Japan got from the Dutch! (As always). It's a British thing I guess. Look up Rangaku and BE AMAZED! Rangaku, which translates to "Dutch learning" or "learning from the Dutch," was a pivotal period in Japan's history that spanned the 17th to 19th centuries. During this era, Japan was largely isolated from the outside world due to its policy of Sakoku, which restricted foreign interactions. However, a small window to the West remained open through the Dutch trading post on the island of Dejima in Nagasaki. This unique circumstance allowed Japanese scholars to access Western knowledge, primarily from the Netherlands, and laid the groundwork for profound changes in Japan. Rangaku marked a crucial phase in the transfer of Western knowledge to Japan. Japanese scholars, known as "Rangakusha," began studying and translating Western/Dutch books and documents into Japanese. This knowledge encompassed a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, and geography. It was a period of intense intellectual curiosity, with Rangakusha adapting Western/Dutch scientific concepts to the Japanese context. One of the most tangible outcomes of Rangaku was the significant improvement in healthcare and public health in Japan. Japanese physicians integrated Dutch medical practices, introducing surgical techniques, pharmacology, and anatomy studies. As a result, Japan witnessed a decline in disease mortality rates, leading to better overall health and life expectancy for its citizens. Rangaku also ignited a technological revolution in Japan. Knowledge of Western/Dutch engineering and shipbuilding techniques greatly contributed to the development of a modern Japanese navy. Additionally, the adoption of Western/Dutch manufacturing processes and infrastructure development techniques laid the foundation for Japan's subsequent industrialization. Beyond science and technology, Rangaku had a profound impact on culture and education. Western/Dutch ideas influenced Japanese art, fashion, and architecture. It also marked the introduction of Western/Dutch-style education, which played a pivotal role in shaping Japan's future leaders and thinkers. This period served as a catalyst for the Meiji Restoration, a transformative era in Japanese history characterized by rapid modernization and political change. The introduction of Western/Dutch knowledge led to philosophical debates in Japan. Scholars and thinkers grappled with the question of how to reconcile Western ideas with traditional Japanese values. Some advocated for full Westernization, while others sought a synthesis of Western and Japanese traditions. These discussions gave rise to important philosophical and ideological developments that continue to influence Japan's society and governance. The legacy of Rangaku is undeniably profound. It laid the foundation for Japan's status as a technologically advanced and globally connected nation. Japan's willingness to adapt and learn from other cultures, as exemplified by Rangaku, remains a hallmark of its approach to innovation and progress. In conclusion, Rangaku was a pivotal chapter in Japan's history, characterized by the assimilation of Western/Dutch knowledge, which subsequently led to profound transformations in medicine, technology, culture, and philosophy. It serves as a testament to Japan's enduring ability to embrace new ideas and adapt them to its unique context, ultimately shaping its trajectory into the modern world.

[@elperrodelautumo7511]

Truly Japans rise to modernization is indeed a true difficulty and dedication.

[@picivyvortac2641]

Japan is one of the most impressive nations that has existed in the modern era.

[@Tomoyuki473]

I live in Matsudo, Japan. What an excellent documentary... it really gives a lot of content well managing to stay engaging the entire time. Really makes me grateful to live in such a place.

[@mrjack901]

Man wtf, this is one of the best documentaries ever, and I was fun of History Channel back in the early days when they actually focused on history, and talked about the Roman Empire, Aztec and Genghis Khan. This documentary is just awesome, you show both Facts, and the Personal Perspective of people involved and emotional states, it actually made me feel proud and happy when you narrated about Japanese Sailors rescuing Russian Sailors.

[@drewdrewski4188]

One thing I admire about Japan is their ability to quickly adopt the teachings of other cultures to improve their society while still holding firm to Japanese heritage. Another example of this was in the post-WWII era when an American named Deming visited Japan and taught many of their companies about quality in manufacuring. Today most people associate Japanese goods with high quality, but before Deming they were seen as "cheap crap." An impressive turnaround in just a few decades.

[@mamzzx4098]

The way these videos are made it as though I'm there, I sleep whilst listening to history documentaries, I know it's weird but listening to this is as though I'm in a very aware dream, just beautiful

[@emilianozapata2530]

I can only say congratulations on such magnificient work you've done. It has been a real joy,a journey through that period of Japan's history. I could almost smell things I've been listening about throughout this documentary. Thank you for your efforts and I wish you all the best in your future projects!

[@gustavovillegas5909]

This is legitimately the best series and always gets me so excited!

[@darkironsides]

This is the kind of quality that should be on TV documentaries. Fantastic work.

[@sinecurve9999]

Hardcore History has a very long (but very good) series on just this subject. I am excited to hear your take.

[@Numba003]

This documentary was astounding. Thank you guys so much for this. Not only did I learn a lot, but it was artfully presented, emotionally resonant, and beautifully composed. Thank you again. Stay well out there everybody, and God bless you friends! :)

[@6idangle]

Gave me chills the writing and the voice acting, man you guys are genius the beauty of this is how it speaks through the experience of the people. So beautiful

[@suzbone]

Saw the notification yesterday and clicked on it as I headed out to plant our spring veggie garden. The task was made so much more enjoyable, and the video ended just as I was putting away tools and cleaning up... just perfect. Thank you so much!!!

[@cooolbigguy]

Yet another amazing video! Your production is perfect. Great images/videos and your narration is top notch.

[@vandango901]

Thank you for this. I love Japanese learning history and this made my Saturday night.

[@mikeobr]

Thanks for continuing to push out great content!!!

[@smallcloset]

this is so good. well written, edited, the graphics are brilliant. I've followed you guys for awhile and its fantastic to watch in real time, a group that does what they do, in all seriousness and max effort. fucking awesome.

[@coreybell8781]

Absolutely fantastic documentary. Engaging, informative, and aesthetic. Well done and thank you.

[@Cobaltryno]

Love this, all I listen to is history all day on youtube while working. This was amazingly done. Loved the music, the whole thing left me feeling almost nostalgic.

[@matthewbryson6423]

This has been fascinating. Loved every minute. Thanks for your hard work

[@cavalex]

Man this was one of the best things I've ever watched! Excellent work!

[@stevecarswell6329]

This is an amazing documentary. It really is amazing to see how far KZbin creators have come in 10 years. I look forward to your future work!

[@CodingWithAsad]

I always wanted someone to make a video about this topic. thanks!

[@Pinned2Five]

I've always found the meiji restoration an intimidating subject to approach, just because of how MUCH has been written on it. Thank you for finally giving me a way to begin my understanding of it.

[@daya820]

Excellent historical documentary. I enjoyed it every minute of it. The narrator took me back on time to explore the change of Japan into the modern world. I learned with enthusiasm and now want more..

[@Elykar]

Excited for this.

[@brianmessemer2973]

Superior, award winning quality. I lived there for years and married into the culture and so in a way, married Japan itself. From a person to whom the story of Japan is of vital importance, you have my deep thanks.

[@wildancrazy159]

In a hour, a major documentary done to a level far above those the came before on this subject. These should be required by university for those who aspire to make the past informed to the present student. Bravo, and congratulations to the makers.

[@fidenemini4413]

the literacy of Japanese people before the Meji Restoration was something 30% to 40%, much higher than Europe. Japanese people and cities also had much better hygiene, the major cites in Europe were absolute filth pits these factors all laid down the foundation of the rapid industrilizarion of Japan

[@KPPUSD]

In short, every aspect of the system of the society seemed to have been working better than anywhere else in Asia, and that's probably because they have naturally progressed without serious interruption by the invasions of the other ethnic groups for thousands of years. I think it's rather rare thing for the other parts of the world.

[@joaocosta3374]

Com ironia o mundo Europeu era mais avançado, antes da modernização aqui citada.

[@tesokaaita6049]

In the latter half of the Edo period, the literacy rate of the common people was about 60% or more on average nationwide, and about 70% or more in the towns of Edo. It is said that the "actual" of the town of Edo is probably about 80% or more. In Edo period Japan, there were many rental bookstores, especially in the town of Edo, and almost all of them had patrons. This figure is not only for men, but also for men and women of all ages, which was extremely high at the time. It is said that it was calculated based on the population at that time, the number of temple schools, and the school attendance rate. As an objective fact, the records and words left by foreigners such as Francis Xavier, a missionary who came to Japan in the past, and Goronin, Schliemann, and Perry, who came to Japan later, give glimpses of the high literacy rate and education of the people of that time. I can ask

[@casualinvestor6220]

Gonna be sooooo freaking good! Love these Voice of the Past.

[@billder2655]

really well made !! liking this format

[@user-ol2mr4bx7c]

This is among the very best history channels in the world of any platform for quite a few reasons

[@darrenmonks4532]

Cheers. I've teaching the Meiji Revolution/Restoration for years - and this is awesome.

[@Mike-kg7nz]

After all, Japan was a quite prosperous nation even before westernization, having several huge cities including Edo(Tokyo), Kyoto and Osaka. They easily learned western military and science, making their country even richer.

[@mukhtarsyajaratun1025]

Every Asian nation at that time were just civilized like Europe but the only thing they lack are reformation and modernisation. European countries are quick to evolve their culture as many development have been made by their schoolars, scientist and phillosophers alike. That's why they have advantages against Asian countries like Qing China as this country were late to evolve and reforming the country. Japan was quick too react to these changes but it's quite dissapointing that they didn't evolve their traditional culture into modern japanese culture but instead choosed to adapt western culture instead, imagine how better they look if the goverment officials agreed to Saigos plead and keep a lot of their tradition that nescessary

[@ivnkovsky863]

@@mukhtarsyajaratun1025 uhh they did went back from traditional culture during 30's and 40's guess what happened.

[@songli5121]

it sounds ridicious , Japan has nothing at all, what they have stolen from China, its language, dress, food, Westenization made Japan more than demon among asian nations. After atomic bombs they are not becoming smarter but more stupid, now they wanna militarization again like German.

[@jayc3110]

That was a beautifully-crafted documentary. Excellent narration and graphics. Thank you and best wishes.

[@mjc11a]

An excellent presentation! Informative as it is educational. Thanks very much for posting and be safe 🙏

[@andrewkhan4561]

Your story telling is a real cut above the rest. Reminds me of Tom Holland's (the historian's) writing. I hope you produce more of these broad historical type videos. Bravo!

[@chiudfdnso]

As a Japanese, first of all, I am happy that this video and comments are calm and objective. And now I am proud to be the only non-Western G7 member. Japan has learned a lot from the West since the samurai era, but I would especially like to thank France, Germany, England and the United States.

[@peterdevalk7929]

One word: Rangaku.

[@josephberber9401]

the way this docu film is presented hits me hard, now i want more

[@tungnguyen66]

One of great work , truly enjoyed every minutes of it.

[@EloiFL]

What a beautiful walk through time. History at its very best, capable of giving us the perspective on the world of an entire people through their collective memory and documents. Keep up this work, because your way of portraying our past reminds me that history is neithet a hobby, a useless chore, nor a priviledge. It is a human right. Thank you.

[@BurntToastBoi]

Absolutely loved this, immediate subscribe.

[@glenbirbeck4098]

Great balance of illustration style and photos. Good narration without the excess heard on other channels. History is an important subject and critical in understanding our time.

[@miassarmiski8479]

Bravo! Well done! Well written and superbly narrated. Keep them coming. Thanks!

[@chrismo9473]

Thank you for this! Flling the gaps of knowledge about japan and world history is a rather difficult task, but you do it so well. 🤗

[@LiArrowMaster]

This is absolutely BRILLIANT! perhaps the best example of it's type I have ever seen, by a long way. Well done to all who created it, and grateful respects.

[@angusarmstrong6526]

Absolutely fantastic, professional and truly fascinating stuff

[@HebrewHakaishin]

Japan you have nothing and nobody to apologize to. You gave the world the civilization it has today. On behalf of the world we Thank you Japanese for your contribution to technology and world peace.🌹

[@Carbiniz3r]

Finally a real documentary on this. It just seemed like everyone always covered the world war 2 one vs this one.

[@ludwiglatzke]

Amazing, keep up the good work

[@susiekim5728]

One of the best documentaries I’ve seen in an while. Thank you! ❤

[@apophisstr6719]

Japan, the finest example of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing changes.

[@resrussia]

A very good introduction to modern Japanese history. The more I study modern Japanese history, more I understand the Japanese more I understand the Japanese motivation for war in the 20th century. It is extremely hard not to conclude Asia-Pacific theater of WWII was largely a creation of the West. Obviously, this conclusion is fraught with all kinds of issues both historical and political, so I wouldn't defend it. If you treat someone poorly, they are unlikely to be your friend. Thanks for including a bibliography.

[@laychyetan7466]

Finally found someone looking at this with this perspective. At that time the geopolitics already points at what need to be done in the far east to contain the Qing dynasty and the Russian empire. It is just a variation of proxy wars by great powers today. There are players and the rest are just chess pieces for their interests.

[@sonicluffypucca96]

I think in true honesty, one could state that the Pacific War was the result of an explosion of misgivings and bitternesss on account of foreign powers practicing imperialism in the region.

[@Jumpoable]

Also, a tiny strip of islands with constant earthquakes & volcanic eruptions meant a serious lack of resources & national insecurity. I can see how their geography pushed Japan to expansion.

[@johnbox271]

"The last Queen of Korea was stripped naked, her genitals fondled, raped, and then burned alive by her Japanese assassins. " How is this the Wests fault?

[@creolito9600]

If we're been honest a lot of problems today if you go deep are because of the Europeans/Americans

[@byakuya_Hanqhal]

Man,this was so good.keep up the good work.. #Subscribed

[@Syd.Stha98]

Your content is extraordinary brother. Great respect for your work.

[@stekra3159]

I listen To your videos in the background because you voice is so gosh dank charming

[@ronti2492]

What an excellent documentary! Is this an upload to YT???- surely not I thought, the editing, storyline construction , plus the excellent narration made me think it was an upload of a doco whic had already been screened in the media. Well done, words fail me. Thankyou above all for producing such a good summary of one of the greatest stories in the history of the past 150 years. Today we talk about China and its transformation since 1976, but I think this is secondary when compared to what Japan achieved in the time period which this documentary describes.

[@Ixyon77]

The Perry part is clearly missing... Not wanting to show the Americans as the bad guys surely...

[@yanliew4027]

the first emperor of China used the word first, J also uses that word as in 'hajimete'...

[@theWarVet]

Truly Amazing... one of the best documentaries I've ever seen. Incredible work Voices of the Past!

[@davidgoncalvesalvarez]

Looks like I arrived to a great video. Keep the good work, it’s amazing.

[@RKupyr]

Finally, this (and the prelude documentary of earlier Japan) offer the world a level view of this country and it's place in the flow of history and today's world. As a longtime foreign resident of Japan, I've felt nearly alone trying to present a realistic view of Japan (including its history) to people I meet, against a barrage of often ignorantly critical or blindly fawning misinformation supplied by the mass media and other visitors like myself. Coverage of Japan has improved over the years, but this documentary is a fabulous overview of Japan, which I can happily present without disclaimers to people who want to understand. I think that a Japanese-language version of this documentary could find an eager audience in Japan, too.

[@mahg5187]

My first comment on KZbin. This is a masterpiece documentary and Meiji restoration is something that every country should emulate for the betterment of citizens.Brilliant Japan 👍👍🙏🙏

[@jamesalexander3530]

Thanks for posting this documentary.

[@salamandrecesa2008]

Truly amazing documentary! I've been living in Japan for 7 years and it help me understand this country better, thanks

[@recklesflam1ngo968]

Truly amazing how it went from feudal to a full industrial evolution and transformation in under half a century.

[@PRH123]

I feel that I got a better understanding of this part of Japanese history (and the ideas, thinking, emotions, philosophy, etc) associated with it, than from any other source I have ever read or watched. So well done, thank you.

[@Alexandros.Mograine]

you did great honor with this, whoever made the script, good job.

[@moriarty6958]

One of the most interesting videos I have watched, thank you!

[@Zeoytaccount]

I think it’s really cute how Japan and America have always had this fascination with each other haha. All the best wishes to our Japanese friends :)

[@Ixyon77]

In 1853 you forced them to open borders for unfair commercial purpose by firing at them and 90 years later you nuked them twice. It's not that cute or friendly... Is it ?

[@bernholtz1]

@@Ixyon77 you write like the US just randomly nuked Japan for no reason

[@Ixyon77]

@@bernholtz1 America have always their reasons...

[@brendanvb2597]

@@Ixyon77 As you said in another thread that you're Belgian, your vitriol is starting to reek of post-imperial jealousy. By the way, the Ghosts of five million butchered Congolese called - I think they wanted to say something.... But nobody is saying "you" when referring to your past government so settle the feck down. The original comment was cheerfully highlighting the mutual cultural appreciation between sections of two populations and you shat on it with reductionist, histrionic historicisms. Congrats!

[@Ixyon77]

@@brendanvb2597 No one can because I despise Leopold II for what he did and all the Congolese or Belgian people I met in the past knows it. On the other hand saying there is a mutual respect between American and Japanese is pure fantasy. Japanese are only "respected" by your government because they are the front line against China (and Russia before that). America has never had allies but only interest. Stop your propaganda with me pal. I live in Japan. You want to talk about the Rainbow Bridge, the mini Statue of Liberty or the replica of the Empire State Building in Tokyo ? You really think I don't know why the US found necessary to "offer" them those artefacts ? I don't know how old you are but clearly you don't know what kind of man you're talking to... On the other hand I found really interesting the fact you and Mr Greenwood found necessary to attack me with Leopold II on a vid talking about Japan when the primary cause was "Why on earth can someone consider an invasion as an opportunity for the victims ?"... Don't you ?

[@duckymouse9685]

I wish this had been around to supplement terrible Japanese history lectures at university. This is truly wonderful, so easy to follow and I loved learning about individuals as well as the course of history as a whole. Thank you so much for making this

[@seane6616]

Western education is fraudulent