Western Art in the Meiji Restoration of Japan (1868-1912)

Abstract

The art of Meiji Restoration in Japan was influenced by French art. From 1633 to 1854, during Japan’s Isolationist Era, activity in Japanese local art was very active. Fukuzawa Yukichi believed the concern of the Imperial family was the basis for promoting modernization. Fukuzawa Yukichi was one of the Meiji periods six great educators. He was dedicated to the cause of introducing Western institutions and thought into Japan. Some people, however, may wonder why such a man wears traditional Japanese robes. Fukuzawa Yukichi advocated Westernization. He considered that Japan must “Leave Asia to go towards Europe” (脫亞入?), and consequently Japan could quickly imitate Western countries to become an Asian Power nation. The Meiji Emperor adopted his suggestion to let Japan westernize. Western Art was brought to Japan. It was called “the period of Japanese local art.” In the middle of the 19th century, Japan learned about Western Art. During this period, France began the policy of colonialization around the world. For this reason, France and Japan became important partners. Due to French art being imported to Japan, Japanese art also was imported to France. Consequently, Japan and France’s art exchanges became very popular. Cultural exchanges between Japan, America, England, and France during the period of the Meiji Restoration showed that art was significant in daily life. During the Meiji Restoration, the famous Western arts included painting, architecture, and sculpture. These three kinds were very outstanding in the Meiji Era. The exchange of Japanese and Western arts reached its peak in the Meiji period. Japan, America, Italy, France and England cooperated in the arts exchanges. During Meiji Restoration, Japan was the first country in Asia to accomplish Westernization. In this period, the West learned Japanese culture, and Japan also learned French culture. In the East, as well as the West, there was cross-cultural reciprocity. The Meiji Restoration digested and absorbed French art and culture, which became a systematic introduction into French art and culture. Therefore, the art and culture of France and Japan were gradually interconnected.