Document 3a
. . . As the object of modernisation was to obtain equal treatment by the West, many of the cultural innovations, besides being more than outward forms to the Japanese themselves, had an important psychological influence on Western diplomats and politicians. Under the [Tokugawa] shogun, members of the first Japanese delegation to the United States in 1860 wore traditional samurai dress with shaved pate [top of the head] and long side hair tied in a bun and carried swords. Under the [new Meiji] emperor, Western-style haircuts were a major symbol of Westernisation. Soldiers and civilian functionaries [officials] wore Western-style uniforms, and politicians often adopted Western clothes and even full beards. In 1872 Western dress was prescribed for all court and official ceremonies. Meat eating, previously frowned on because of Buddhist attitudes, was encouraged, and the beef dish of sukiyaki was developed at this time. Western art and architecture were adopted, producing an array of official portraits of leading statesmen as well as an incongruous [incompatible] Victorian veneer [appearance] in the commercial and government districts of the cities and some rather depressing interiors in the mansions of the wealthy. . . .
Source: Richard Perren, “On the Turn–Japan, 1900,” History Today, June 1992.
Document 3b
Seated Ladies with Lantern c.1790
Singing By the Plum Garden c. 1890
Source: "Three Seated Ladies with Lanterns" painting by Kitagawa Utamaro, 1790. and
“Singing By the Plum Garden,” by Toyohara Chikanobu, 1890.
Annotations:
Historical context:
Intended audience:
Purpose:
Point of view:
Historical context: The historical context is the period of modernization in Japan during the Meiji era in the late 19th century.
Intended audience: The intended audience is not explicitly stated in the document, but it could be assumed to be anyone interested in understanding the cultural changes that occurred in Japan during modernization.
Purpose: The purpose of the document is to provide information and examples of the cultural innovations that took place in Japan during the modernization period, and to highlight the psychological influence these innovations had on Western diplomats and politicians.
Point of view: The point of view is not explicitly stated in the document, but it can be inferred that it is written from a neutral or objective perspective. The document presents historical facts and examples without expressing a specific opinion.