ON THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF MODERNIZATION: THE WAY JAPAN HAS COME AND SEEMS TO BE GOING1

YASUHITO ISHII

ABSTRACT

After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Japan modernized itself on the Western model of
constitutional monarchy. The modernization made the country richer and stronger, as it
planned. However, it came with negative effects as well as positive effects. The negative
effects were seen in its excessive moves to defend itself from the Russian expansionism,
especially its resultant occupation of Korea and China, and subsequent expansionism
by itself and the Second World War. In particular, limiting the Emperor’s power as
in Western monarchies and admitting the military’s autonomy led to waging wars.
On the other hand, the positive effects have been observed in the post-war era, when
Western-style democracy was adopted with a new pacifist constitution. The country was
rebuilt economically, and until recently placed second in the world in GDP figures (now
third after China). Japan has been able to contribute positively to the world in the past
decades. It is sincerely hoped that the country will keep up the good work in its positive
contribution and internationalization/globalization.