• Thoughts during the Edo period and the end of the Tokugawa shogunate.
  • The arrival of Perry.
  • The concept of “Wa-Kon-Yo-Sai,” which means that Japanese ideology is better, but Western technology is impressive.
  • Criticism of the policy of national isolation, mainly by the Shoho-kai.
  • The argument for opening up the country, similar to the concept of “Wa-Kon-Yo-Sai,” advocated by figures like Sakuam Shozan.
  • The theory of “Sonno-Joi” which calls for the expulsion of foreigners and the preservation of imperial rule.
  • The Mito School of thought, which emphasizes loyalty to the emperor based on Confucianism.
  • Yoshida Shoin, who played a significant role in nurturing individuals with such ideas, known for being featured in the novel “Hana Moyu.”
  • These ideas eventually led to the Meiji Restoration.