The Japan-British Exhibition of 1910

the long version

"The rapid development of Japan, an Asian nation, at the turn of the twentieth century, including the defeat of Russia in 1904-5, both intrigued the Great Powers in the West, as well as arousing reactions of concern and suspicion. Britain was the most important of the Powers upon which Japan was particularly keen to make a strong impression and thereby help to mitigate the rising tide of anti-Japanese sentiment in Europe, America and elsewhere. Because of the existence at this time of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, it was also very much Japan's ambition to project herself as the 'Island Empire of the East'. A spectacular exhibition in London, therefore (to be held at White City, Shepherd's Bush), with full national commitment, was seen as a timely opportunity by Japan's Meiji government leaders to advance her agendas in political, economic and educational terms - despite the financial austerity Japan was experiencing at the time."--BOOK JACKET.