Notes

Japanese Adaptation: Japan implemented a merit-based system for hiring and promoting bureaucrats, introducing competitive exams to ensure that government officials were selected based on ability rather than social standing.
Source: Jansen, M. B. (2000). The Making of Modern Japan. Harvard University Press.
Source: Huffman, J. L. (1997). Creating a Public: People and Press in Meiji Japan. University of Hawaii Press.

(Jansen, 2000; Huffman, 1997)

2. Legal System Overhaul

Western Inspiration: The Meiji leaders hired French legal experts to advise on creating a new legal code, incorporating Western legal principles and anti-corruption laws.
Japanese Adaptation: This led to the establishment of the Meiji Civil Code, which integrated Western legal concepts while adapting them to Japanese traditions and needs.
Source: Haley, J. O. (1991). Authority Without Power: Law and the Japanese Paradox. Oxford University Press.
Source: Jansen, M. B., & Rozman, G. (1986). Japan in Transition: From Tokugawa to Meiji. Princeton University Press.

(Haley, 1991; Jansen, 1986)

3. Centralized Bureaucracy

Western Inspiration: The establishment of a centralized bureaucratic system was modeled after Prussian administrative structures, which emphasized efficiency and oversight.
Japanese Adaptation: The Japanese government created ministries and agencies to oversee different sectors, ensuring standardized practices and reducing local corruption.
Source: Beasley, W. G. (1990). The Rise of Modern Japan: Political, Economic, and Social Change Since 1850. Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
Source: Gluck, C. (1985). Japan's Modern Myths: Ideology in the Late Meiji Period. Princeton University Press.

(Beasley, 1990; Gluck, 1985)

4. Government Structure

Western Inspiration: The Meiji leaders studied Western governmental systems and eventually implemented a cabinet system and constitution modeled on Western examples, particularly the German constitution.
Japanese Adaptation: The Meiji Constitution of 1889 established a parliamentary system with a prime minister and a cabinet, while maintaining the emperor's authority, blending Western governance models with Japanese imperial tradition.
Source: Jansen, M. B. (2000). The Making of Modern Japan. Harvard University Press.
Source: Huffman, J. L. (1997). Creating a Public: People and Press in Meiji Japan. University of Hawaii Press.

5. Educational Reforms

Western Inspiration: The government implemented a Western-style education system, hiring American advisors to aid with education reform, aiming to instill civic values and ethics.
Japanese Adaptation: The Meiji government established a national education system, promoting Western scientific and technical knowledge while incorporating Japanese moral education focused on loyalty to the emperor.
Source: Hane, M. (1982). Peasants, Rebels, and Outcastes: The Underside of Modern Japan. Pantheon Books.
Source: Beasley, W. G. (1990). The Rise of Modern Japan: Political, Economic, and Social Change Since 1850. Weidenfeld & Nicolson.

6. Military Modernization

Western Inspiration: The army was restructured based on Prussian models, which included military tactics, organizational principles, and discipline.
Japanese Adaptation: The Japanese military adopted Prussian training methods and organizational structures, leading to the establishment of a modern, disciplined army.
Source: Jansen, M. B., & Rozman, G. (1986). Japan in Transition: From Tokugawa to Meiji. Princeton University Press.
Source: Gluck, C. (1985). Japan's Modern Myths: Ideology in the Late Meiji Period. Princeton University Press.

7. Industrial Development

Western Inspiration: The Home Ministry, created in 1873, was responsible for industrial development, vigorously pressing ahead with industrialization based on Western models.
Japanese Adaptation: Japan adopted Western technologies and industrial practices, establishing industries and infrastructure to modernize the economy.
Source: Jansen, M. B. (2000). The Making of Modern Japan. Harvard University Press.
Source: Beasley, W. G. (1990). The Rise of Modern Japan: Political, Economic, and Social Change Since 1850. Weidenfeld & Nicolson.

8. Diplomatic Practices

Western Inspiration: Japanese diplomats adopted Western dress and customs to engage more effectively with Western powers.
Japanese Adaptation: This adoption facilitated better diplomatic relations and negotiations, helping Japan integrate into the international community.
Source: Hane, M. (2001). Modern Japan: A Historical Survey. Westview Press.
Source: Huffman, J. L. (1997). Creating a Public: People and Press in Meiji Japan. University of Hawaii Press.

9. Public Administration

Western Inspiration: The government hired various foreign experts to train Japanese officials in modern administrative practices.
Japanese Adaptation: These practices were integrated into the Japanese administrative system, improving efficiency and reducing corruption.
Source: Gluck, C. (1985). Japan's Modern Myths: Ideology in the Late Meiji Period. Princeton University Press.
Source: Jansen, M. B. (2000). The Making of Modern Japan. Harvard University Press.