The foundations of Japan

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

14613

Title

The foundations of Japan

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

J.W. Robertson Scott offers a sociological portrait of rural Japan, contrasting traditional village life with American-influenced Hokkaido. Based on six thousand miles of travel, this work explores the foundations of the nation through its peasant farmers, addressing agriculture, morality, and the East-West divide.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Foundations of Japan*, J.W. Robertson Scott offers a sociological corrective to the romanticized or hostile Western views of the nation prevalent during and after World War I. Drawing on four and a half years of residence in Japan, Scott argues that the authentic 'Japanese spirit' (*Yamato damashii*) is not found in the capital but resides in the paddy fields of the countryside. The book contrasts the intensive, traditional farming of 'Old Japan' with the Americanized, stock-raising agriculture of Hokkaido, which Scott describes as curiously American in its layout, technology, and even the cries of its farmers. Scott traversed the archipelago, interviewing a wide spectrum of society, from ex-daimyos and governors to farmers' wives and Buddhist nuns. His investigation highlights critical social issues, including the economic struggles of tenants versus landlords, the impact of compulsory military service on family size, and the tension between Westernization and traditional values. He notes that while the Japanese are intensely practical, they maintain a deep regard for morality and order, a devotion to the state that coexists with spiritual considerations. A significant portion of the work is dedicated to Hokkaido, detailing its transformation from a sparsely populated frontier into a modern agricultural hub under American guidance. Scott discusses the challenges of rice cultivation in the north, the presence of American professors, and the island's unique climate and resources, noting its resemblance to Manitoba. He also addresses the effects of the war on Japanese society, including the prevalence of venereal diseases among soldiers and shifting demographics regarding marriage ages. Ultimately, the text serves as a record of rural life extending across twice the distance between the English Channel and John o' Groats. By focusing on the village, Scott aims to provide a 'sounder knowledge' of the Japanese people, revealing the foundations upon which Japan's future strength is built. The book concludes with reflections on the colonial nature of Hokkaido and the emergence of 'un-Japanese' ways, offering a nuanced perspective on a nation standing at a crossroads of tradition and modernity.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Travel
• Social Science