Japanese Cultural Policy toward China, 1918–1931: A Comparative Perspective

Harvard East Asian Monographs #175

by See Heng Teow

Most existing scholarship on Japan's cultural policy toward modern China reflects the paradigm of cultural imperialism. In contrast, this study demonstrates that Japan―while motivated by pragmatic interests, international cultural rivalries, ethnocentrism, moralism, and idealism―was mindful of Chinese opinion and sought the cooperation of the Chinese government. Japanese policy stressed cultural communication and inclusiveness rather than cultural domination and exclusiveness and was part of Japan's search for an East Asian cultural order led by Japan. China, however, was not a passive recipient and actively sought to redirect this policy to serve its national interests and aspirations. The author argues that it is time to move away from the framework of cultural imperialism toward one that recognizes the importance of cultural autonomy, internationalism, and transculturation.

326 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1999

Reviews

[Benemint · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good old policy history. Good details and a simple analysis of implications. Good for an overview of the politics of remitting the Boxer indemnity by Japan, the US, and the UK, but doesn't serve as a good offering for enriching what exactly "cultural internationalism" meant. Although I appreciate the skepticism over the straightforward "Cultural imperialism" the book develops, I don't buy the author's clean distinction between "cultural" policy and "political" policy of Japan.