The Aspects of “Sakoku” Appear in Historical Textbooks in Modern Japan

Oshima, Akihide

Through my research, I have raised a question regarding ‘Sakoku’—national isolation during the Edo Period—as a discourse of modern Japan. In this paper, ninety four historical textbooks are closely examined. These books are from when educational system promulgated from Meiji period (1872) to the period when “Kuni no Ayumi” (1946) was complied. As a result, it is almost impossible to confirm that these historical text books influenced the definition of ‘Sakoku’ during the liberal adoption textbook period and authorized textbook period. However, in Meiji 20’s (in 1890’s) some textbooks created negative views on feudalism in Edo Period. For example, Kôtô　Shôgaku Rekishi (1891) edited by Yoshimichi KAMIYA. In case of these textbooks, the aspects of ‘Sakoku’ gradually became negative. Such a negative view on ‘Sakoku’ has been clearly illustrated in the first textbook, Shôgaku Rekishi (1904), compiled by Japan’s Ministry of Education. This depiction continued until the publication of the seventh textbook, ”Kuni no Ayumi”, was released which was also compiled by the Ministry of Education. It can be thought that ‘Sakoku’ view groped and formed in Meiji 20’s in the Japan empire. After the birth of the first textbook compiled by the Ministry of Education, the enactment of historical curriculum as compulsory education (1907) and considering the fact that over 90% of the population complete the compulsory education; such view on “sakoku” rapidly took root in people and became discourse.

The Aspects of “Sakoku” Appear in Historical Textbooks in Modern Japan

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