10 Questions
What influenced the author's perspective on the influence of the West in Japan?
European cities
Which city did the author consider as having concrete manifestations of a culture rooted in a long history?
Kyoto
How did the author compare Japanese cities to Western cities?
Japanese cities reflected deep-rooted culture while Western cities seemed superficial
What influenced the author's inclination towards a nationalistic perspective during their stay in the West?
Nationalistic attitudes of English and French people
According to the author, from where did the impetus for their nationalistic inclinations come?
English and French nationalistic attitudes towards their cultures
According to the passage, what realization did the author have during their time in the West?
The Japanese should focus more on studying their own culture and social issues.
What did the author notice after returning to Japan from the West?
Their thoughts on Japanese culture differed from when they were in the West.
What stance did the author begin to examine after returning to Japan?
The Japanese position from the viewpoint that westernizing Japan would not solve its problems.
What did the author believe was the key to solving the Japanese problem while in the West?
Preserving indigenous aspects of Japan that were not influenced by the West.
Why did the author believe that Japanese culture warranted attention?
The author realized that there were many aspects of Japanese culture that were worth studying.
Study Notes
Cultural Reflections
- The influence of the West on Japan is superficial, limited to technology, and lacking in spiritual values and culture.
- European cities are distinctly different from Westernized Japanese cities like Tokyo.
Rediscovering Japanese Culture
- The author is drawn to traditional Japanese culture, evoking images of Kyoto's old streets and houses.
- Japanese art is unique, and the author recalls Hokusai and Korin as examples of distinctly Japanese paintings.
Nationalistic Inclinations
- The author's thoughts on the Japanese position are nationalistic, influenced by the nationalistic attitudes of English and French people.
- The author realizes the importance of studying Japan rather than the West to become more productive in art and scholarship.
Shifting Perspectives
- After returning to Japan from the West, the author's thinking has changed, focusing on the Japanese position and the need to examine indigenous aspects of Japan.
- The author believes that as long as Japan continues to work towards Westernization, the Japanese problem will never be solved.
Reflecting on the importance of studying Japanese culture instead of Western culture, exploring traditional Japanese culture and contemporary social issues, and recognizing the merits of focusing on one's own heritage.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
