The Meiji Era of Japanese history was a significant period of time that saw the shifting of Japan into a Western-oriented nation. In order to maintain pace with surrounding countries and their development, the Japanese consolidated their approach in order to compete and benefit from other nations. Beginning in 1868, this long-term event initially intended to shift Imperial rule to Japan. Beginning in 1868 and although there had been an emperor prior to the Meiji restoration period, this era strengthened the political system under the Emperor of Japan. The Japanese mainly relied on imported ideals during restoration in order emulate Western nations who, in the Japanese eyes were advanced and powerful. Due to the fact that Western nations were involved in Imperialism prior to and during the same time as the Meiji period, the wealth and power the European nations gained stood out to the Japanese. …show more content…
Apart from people from the West coming into the country, the Japanese travelled to other nations across the world in order to gain ideas that would attempt to be implemented throughout the Japanese society. The Kumamoto Band grew from the many Japanese people who supported the Westernization of Japan. Comprised of Doshisha University students who converted to Christianity, they hired the American educator of Leroy Lansing Janes in the hopes of influencing Japanese society (Notehelfer 248). Apart from the Kumamoto Band, there were many other bands established in Japan for similar ideas. Throughout the Meiji Period, the Kumamoto Band attempted to change Japanese mindset and society in order to reflect Western values so that they would remain competitive amongst other