The China factor in Modern Japanese thought

the long version

The China Factor in Modern Japanese Thought examines the ideas of Tachibana Shiraki, 1881-1945, a revisionist within the Japanese Kangaku tradition, which focused on incorporating Chinese elements into Japanese culture. Tachibana advocated the study of popular culture as the key to understanding contemporary society. When militarism was on the ascendant, Tachibana was a vocal critic of military solutions. Yet his services were sought for by the radical elements of the Japanese military he criticized. Through his writings we gain a clearer view of the continuing processes of policy debate in occupied Manchuria. Tachibana articulated his faith that the historical destinies of China and Japan were joined, and much of his career was engaged in persuading his countrymen that Japan should use its influence to promote social and economic reforms in China, and act as a positive force to facilitate the Chinese revolution as the means of cultivating a lasting Japanese influence.