Makers of Japan

"Makers of Japan" by J. Morris is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book focuses on key figures and events that shaped modern Japan, particularly during the transformative Meiji era following the end of the shogunate. It delves into the actions and influences of prominent patriots and statesmen who played significant roles in Japan's transition from feudalism to a more modern imperial government. The opening of "Makers of Japan" provides an overview of Japan's political landscape before Commodore Perry's arrival in 1853, as well as the initial steps toward modernization that followed. It introduces several historical figures, including Fujita Toko, Yoshida Shoin, and Sakuma Shozan, who advocated for change despite the risks they faced under the Tokugawa shogunate. The text highlights the tension between isolationist and reformist factions, setting the stage for the revolutionary changes that would occur during the Meiji Restoration, where the Emperor and his supporters sought to restore direct imperial rule and open Japan to international engagement.