Japanese Modernization As Described by Soseki Natsume

概要

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This article aims to provide a general understanding of Soseki Natsume's ideas on civilization, particularly Japanese modernization. Soseki's works describe various negative aspects of Japanese Modernization. Many of his characters experience college life and learn western languages and cultures. Since these characters are to some extent autobiographical, we can read his critique through their voices. These characters leave their hometowns and traditional upbringing for college life in the city. The resulting conflicts with family members that arise from the students' exposure to academic urban life as well as study abroad reveal Soseki's own sentiments towards the flood of Western ideas with which Meiji- and Taisho-era Japan was grappling. We may consider his words as a warning to Japanese society.