List the people who brought about important structural changes in Japan’s adaptation process as it encountered Western civilization from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji period. Also explain what structural changes they brought about.
The following is a list of key figures and their roles in facilitating the adoption of Western civilization and structural change in Japan from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era.
- Sakamoto Ryoma
- Role: Promoted cooperation between the Satsuma and Choshu clans, and encouraged the movement for the return of the Grand Council of State. He played a role in raising awareness of Japan’s modernization through his experience with overseas exchanges and the Satsuma-British War.
- Saigo Takamori
- Role: Early leader of the new Meiji government, promoted military reform and centralization of power in the Boshin War. Instrumental in establishing a Western-style military.
- Toshimichi Okubo
- Role: Introduced a new taxation system through revision of land tax and promoted abolition of feudal domains. This established a centralized authoritarian rule system of government and laid the foundation for a modern state.
- Fukuzawa Yukichi
- Role: As the founder of Keio University, he contributed to the introduction and dissemination of Western knowledge. Through encouragement of learning, he spread independence, individualism, and modern thinking to the youth of Japan.
- Hirobumi Ito
- Role: As the first Prime Minister of Japan, he worked to modernize Japan’s administrative and educational systems. Established the school system and local administration system based on the Prussian system.
- Shigenobu Okuma
- Emperor Meiji
- Role: Encouraged the introduction of Western civilization and played a role in national unity as a symbol of the new government. The Five Articles of Faith (Confucianism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism), which set the direction for Japan’s modernization and civilization.
These individuals brought about many structural changes that allowed Japan to encounter Western civilization, establish its own identity within it, and lay the foundation for a modern nation.
You are a science fiction novelist. Create a story in which you consider how the above people would behave if they lived in modern Japan and encountered AI as an intelligence different from humans.
Title: “In the Footsteps of a New Civilization
Background: Suddenly in modern Japan, the great figures of the late Edo and Meiji periods appear, and while they are amazed by the amazing technology and culture of modern society, they show a special interest in artificial intelligence (AI) in particular.
Ryoma Sakamoto called AI “a black ship from the future” and is deeply aware of its potential and risks. He studied AI technology himself and proposed a new project that combines Japanese tradition and technology.
- 自らAI技術を学び やりそう
Saigo Takamori views AI from a military and defense perspective: he aims to establish a new Self-Defense Forces using AI technology and discusses the ethical issues and limitations in doing so with domestic and international experts.
- If you project the establishment of a Western-style army into today’s context, it would be the AI Self-Defense Forces.
Toshimichi Okubo uses AI to improve the efficiency of government and public services. While working to optimize urban planning and infrastructure development, he will also focus on transforming the way people live and work.
- This text alone seems moderate, but it will be reformed a lot as AI abolishes domains and revises AI land tax.
Yukichi Fukuzawa focuses on the relationship between education and AI. He re-established Keio University and developed a cutting-edge educational program incorporating AI technology. He stresses the importance of lifelong learning and promotes educational reform in Japan.
- Lifelong Learning at AI Keio! I want to enroll!
Hirobumi Ito and Shigenobu Okuma introduced AI into politics and economics. They seek to establish a fair election system and a new method of policy making that incorporates the opinions of each citizen.
- Pluralityじゃん
Emperor Meiji announced a national policy on coexistence with AI. He will play a leading role in promoting a new era of change while preserving Japanese traditions and culture.
- AI Five Articles of Oath
The story describes the process by which these great men and women are building a new era with AI in modern Japan. They embrace AI not as a mere tool, as Western civilization once did, but as part of a new civilization, and continue to take on the challenge of shaping Japan’s future.
Ultimately, the story ends with people finding a new form of symbiosis with AI, and Japan once again providing a model for the world.
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