Менталітет японців у добу Мейдзі (1868–1912):  адаптація до викликів модернізації

Anna Sheremeta

doi:10.31861/hj2025.62.152-158

Authors

Anna Sheremeta Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4645-6411

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31861/hj2025.62.152-158

Keywords:

mentality, Japan, Meiji era, modernization, national identity

Abstract

The article examines the transformation of the mentality of the Japanese in the Meiji era under the influence of modernization. Special attention is paid to highlighting the specifics of the adaptation of the Japanese to the challenges of modernization, caused by the spread of Western ideas and technologies, with simultaneous efforts to preserve traditional moral and spiritual values.

The author focuses on the combination of Confucian values, Shinto ideas and samurai ethics of bushido with new conditions that arose under the influence of profound political, socio-economic and cultural changes in society. The analysis of the influence of state ideology on the rethinking of Japanese national identity is made — the formation of loyalty to the emperor, as well as a sense of collective responsibility.

The author emphasizes the special specificity of the modernization process, because despite the radical changes that occurred under its influence, the Japanese mentality was able to survive and flexibly adapt to new conditions, refusing to completely reject old traditions. During the Meiji era (1868–1912), the mentality of the Japanese is established as a dynamic combination of the old, what is familiar to the Japanese, and the new, without which their further social development is unthinkable. With such a combination, the mentality of the Japanese in the Meiji era was able to adapt most effectively to the challenges of modernization.

Author Biography

Anna Sheremeta, Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University

Postgraduate Student, Department of World History, Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University.

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