Rome vs Japan

[Martin Moser]

Hi Narukami,

thanks for your answer!

I do think that the Japanese already possessed a deep-seated feeling of superiority over other Asian nations -- their conduct of the war in Korea referenced earlier in this thread is a case in point.

you may be right there, although, as you know, the Meiji Period added China to the other Asian nations in this respect, a country which, though maybe dimishing (cf. kokugaku), was long thought of as Japan's cultural teacher.

The Russo-Japanese war helped to establish them on the world stage, and probably served to confirm their belief that they could beat the Western powers at their own game.

You probably know it, but a very good book here is Russia Against Japan, 1904-1905: A New Look at the Russo-Japanese War by J. N. Westwood

Saigo Takamori is a fascinating character. There is an excellent book out, perhaps you have read it, Nobility Of Failure: Tragic Heroes In The History Of Japan by Ivan Morris (ISBN: 0374521204)

Ahh, I remember it, it is many years since I had it last in my hands, time for rereading it, perhaps ... thanks for reminding me about it!! Also interesting are the books by Shiba Ryôtarô, he wrote quite a bit on the Meiji Restauration and its main characters (though I doubt those have been translated :-( ( )

l one chapter of which deals with Saigo and the rebellion. Many of the heroes most revered by the Japanese are those who lost. (Yoshitsune, the great general from the Gempei Wars 1180-85, is highly regarded by the Japanese. Hunted down by his jealous brother, the Shogun Yoritomo, it is rumored that Yoshitsune escaped to the mainland where he changed his name to Genghis Kahn. hock: :wink: )

A good thought, yes, I think you are right here. The same rumors came about concerning Saigo Takamori of course, too.

Once again I am impressed by the depth of knowledge members have not only about Ancient Rome, but also about history in general and military history in particular.

Well, for me, I have to admit that I have a M.A. in Japanese language, history and culture and taught especially Meiji period stuff for a while :-P P

Points to you sir.

Favour returned for your interesting and thoughtprovoking postings :-) )