Okakura Yoshisaburo and English language Education in Imperial Japan

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  • 帝国日本と英語教育 : 岡倉由三郎を中心に
  • テイコク ニホン ト エイゴ キョウイク オカクラ ヨシサブロウ オ チュウシン ニ

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This paper will examine Okakura Yoshisaburo's theory of English language education in conjunction with Imperial Japan. Okakura is said to have assisted in the establishment of the English language education before World War II. In order to examine Okakura Yoshisaburo's theory of English language education, this paper analyzes the textbooks The Globe Readers (1907) and The Ocean Readers (1925), both of which Okakura acted as editor. In addition, this paper analyzes the debate over the abolition of English language education between Okakura and Fujimura Tsukuru, a professor of Japanese language and literature at Tokyo Imperial University. Post-analysis conclusions are as follows : First, Okakura did not regard the learning of English merely as a means of communication, but through it he hoped others would learn about the power of Great Britain for the purpose of furthering their appreciation of Japanese imperialism. Second, Okakura thought that the study of the English language is a study of the culture of Great Britain, and to study the culture of Great Britain is to develop the Japanese Spirit. In other words, by strengthening their appreciation of imperialism he hoped to develop a stronger sense of nationalism in Japan.

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