Toyokichi Iyenaga

The Constitutional Development of Japan (1863-1881) is a primary source documenting the singular events and upheavals which Japan underwent on its road to modernization, from a contemporary perspective.

Written in 1891, in the midst of the innovations ushered in by the defeat of the Shogunate, the Meiji Restoration and the end of feudalism, this book offers noteworthy historical and political insight ranging from the time when Commodore Perry arrived in command of his fear-striking Black Ships (kurofune) -- in a fine exercise of gunboat diplomacy, forcing Japan (which had lived in complete seclusion for three centuries) to open their ports to international trade. This event started a chain reaction reaction which eventually led to the demise of the shogunate and the restoration of the Emperor as nominal sovereign.

The book documents the rapid modernization of Japan, the flourishing of its foreign relations, its tentative path towards democracy and how it went from being a quiet archipelago to a superpower in just a few years.

Highly recommended for those interested in Japanese history.


… (mer)