Fukuzawa+Yukichi+EN

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= = =Fukuzawa Yukichi 福澤諭吉 = = ( January 10, 1834 – February 3, 1901 ) =




 * * Abandon the old, accept the **new**


 *  **Westernize** to defend the nation


 * Absorb the **Western technology** until they turn to be useless


 * The true leader of the world embraces all **without discrimination**


 * Establish **Equality** ||

Basic Info
Fukuzawa Yukichi was born on January 10, 1835 into the low-ranking samurai family in Kyushu. Fukuzawa began to **abhor the feudal system** because it restrained his social status and did not recognize his talents. Moreover, he experienced great **poverty** after the death of his father, which heightened his hatred towards the feudal society. His hatred toward the feudal system made him abadon the Japanese caste system and turn to the **European style education**. He studied in a Dutch school (//**Rangaku**)// and learned **English** because he realized English was necessary in obtaining information about the western societies. He eventually became the official in charge of **translating** English books and pertaining to foreign affairs in Japan. Moreover, through observing and learning all he could during his trip overseas, he discovered that Japan was weak and backward because it lacked the **science** and spirit of **independence** that were possessed by Western nations. Fukuzawa spent the remain of his life for writing books and teaching at Keio University; he indeed possessed an enormous intellect and was a prolific writer on a variety of subjects. A stroke took his life on February 3, 1901.

Important Ideas
Fukuzawa emphasized the new, **westernized government policy** in the Japanese government. He felt westernization was necessary for Japan to survive from the widespread of European imperialism. - Fukuzawa **translated** English journals and books into Japanese, such as books on chemistry, arts, military, and society. - Fukuzawa published //Seiyo Jijo (Conditions in the West)//, which was about the **everyday life of the Westerners** - Fukuzawa published books **challenging traditional Japanese ideas** and emphasized western **liberalism** and **positivism**. - Emphasized the **equality of women** and supported **education** for women, **jobs** for women outside of the home, and **property rights** of women. - Fukuzawa created a **newspaper**, //Jiji Shimpo// in 1882, which aided in spreading the ideas of Meiji leaders. - Fukuzawa established a first private university, Keio University.
 * spread western technology and ideas to Japan
 * first time most Japanese people got introduced to the Western world
 * //Gakumon No Susume// (//An Encouragement of Learning//): **criticized old** traditional thinking and **encouraged new**, western ones
 * //Bummeiron No Gairyaku// (//An Outline of a Theory of Civilization//): about his interpretations of Western civilization

Citations
"Yukichi Fukuzawa." Image. Fukazawa Memorial Center for Modern Japanese Studies, Keio University. //World History: The Modern Era//. ABC-CLIO, 2011. Web. 1 May 2011. "10000 yen note." //Wikipedia//. Web. 1 May 2011. .

"Yukichi Fukuzawa." //World History: The Modern Era//. ABC-CLIO, 2011. Web. 1 May 2011.