Japan Government

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan was undergoing major reformation. A Discourse By Three Drunkards On Government by Nakae Chomin discusses the ways in which Japan could establish itself among the larger nations, presented by a debate between two men, one a traditionalist, the other a modernist. The modernist, also known as the Gentleman, believed in a non-militaristic, democratic government. He believed in being peaceful, and presenting no resistance to foreign forces. The traditionalist, also known as the Champion, believed in the complete opposite, gaining control through violence. In my opinion, both arguments are at fault because they are at such extremes. However, I believe the course set by Champion of the East would be better suited for Japan.

The Gentleman believes that all war does for a country is “gnaw at their economies and make their innocent citizens slaughter each other in a vain competition for glory” (Chomin 50). Success is not only based on military efforts, but things like freedom, knowledge, and equality can define a nation. The Gentleman states that “... I wish to transform us into living embodiments of moral principles and to make us a model for future generations” (92). While his wish for world peace is admirable, it is just not realistic. He has no justification for saying that warring with other countries is “immoral.” What makes wanting to be prepared to defend one’s own country against foreign attacks not moral? It would make sense if the Gentleman allowed for a strong military, but did not always initiate the attacks, but he does not even want an army. He tells the Champion, “I would prefer that our people call up no soldiers and carry no bullets but die at the hands of the invading enemy troops” (92). Moral victories are good for the soul, but do nothing for the success of a nation.

The Champion immediately argues back by asking what the Gentleman would suggest if some nation decided to take advantage of their disarmament. He replies by saying “If there were indeed such a vicious nation, (...) we would then be shot to death” (91). This passiveness itself is the largest weakness in the Gentleman’s argument because this peaceful world is just an idealistic thought, that would never become a reality just because “individuals actually possess vices” (94). This is the Champion’s justification for strengthening armies. Violence is human nature and something people are born with.

While both parties have contrasting ideas about the military policies, they both seem to agree that Japan does need to learn and evolve, just as the Western countries have. The Gentleman speaks about the evolution of governments from the monarchy, to constitutionalism, to democracy. The Gentleman wants Japan to become more decentralized, giving power to the people instead of relying on the rulers and the aristocrats. However for a smaller nation like Japan, centralized government