The civilizing process and the introduction of Western concepts in modern Japan

Abstract

Born in the early years of the Meiji era, the Meiroku Society took the reins of Japan’s discussion on civilization, seeking to formalize the insertion of Western concepts in the country’s vernacular. Scholars like Nishimura Shigeki, Mitsukuri Rinshō and Nakamura Masanao made a point of exploring the historiography of terms central to European philosophy, introduced with the opening of the country after 300 years of isolationism. Their intent was to discuss how best to represent these ideas in the Japanese language, quickly setting aside the reformist notion of Nishi Amane, another member of the Association, who wanted the new government to adopt the Roman alphabet and to abolish ideograms. Thus, this article aims to explore the debates that appeared on the pages of Meiroku magazine, the stage of Japanese thought at the time, focusing on the search for linguistic equivalence of the words “civilization”, “liberty” and “right”.