Post Modern Japan Feudal System

Japan’s rise to a modern state is a unique example of how an Asian country has successfully transitioned from an Asian feudal system to a Western-type modern state flawlessly. When comparing Japan’s modernization with other Asian countries, such as China or Korea, it is impressive to see how an ancient feudal system that repelled all forms of foreign influence for centuries was able to transition into the global powerhouse that it is today, with little resistance. This paper will look at how Japan transitioned from a Feudal system to a modern nation state as well as how the Post-modern state is eroding aspects of the modern state thanks to globalization and outside forces. This paper will look at 1) Japan’s decentralized feudal system and the Tokugawa Shogunate, 2) The modernization of the state during the Meiji period and the evolution of the class system, and 3) The erosion of modern state aspects and national identity due to globalization and foreign influence.

The Tokugawa Shogunate and the feudal system:

Japan’s pre-modern political structure hints at a decentralized feudal system. It had an emperor at the top of the class system, which centered the loyalty of the Japanese people, but his presence was of a figurehead as the real

This resulted in an entire class of soldiers, ruled under the Daimyo, to become redundant. This redundancy led to the decline of the Samurais as their services were no longer needed and many became “soldiers without masters” (ronin) (Miocevich, 1999). This evolution of the class system has marked the beginning of the modernization of Japan. The fall of the Samurai class from the high ranks combined with the rise of the merchant class from the slums marked the end of the old feudal system as “movement between classes was prohibited, and status was hereditary” (Charles D. Sheldon, 1971,