PREFACE

In this book it is by no means my intention to compare the national efficiency of Japan with that of other nations; my object is simply to give examples from various sides of national life in that country which demonstrate the advantageous effects to be derived from a universal and practical patriotism. Whether a nation which inevitably places the State before the individual is superior to one in which the individual takes precedence of the State, it is not my intention to discuss. I am only anxious that due attention should be given to the causes and their development which have enabled an obscure country of some forty years ago to become one of the first Powers of the world to-day. I shall be more than content if this book has, as a sole result, the calling of attention to what must always be considered as one of the most remarkable phenomena in history. That the advancement of Japan has been no disjointed series of leaps in the dark, impelled by force of circumstances, is so evident, that it is useless labour to elaborate the proof. But it is of value to deal with the causes, and make tangible the working of the methods, which have resulted in such proficiency. The living thread which has bound together in closest union the whole national policy of that realm is to be found in the earnest, thinking, and eminently practical patriotism of the people of Japan. The love of the

Japanese for their country is a real, an active force, which is shown in every action, and which colours all national development. Ask a Japanese whether he would be prepared to sacrifice himself and his career for his country's good, and without hesitation he will answer in the affirmative. It does not need consideration, it is instinctive; for to the Japanese patriotism is part of their life, not, as with us, a thing apart. The Japanese patriotism, with its resulting pride of country, demands national efficiency in every department of the nation, and since this demand is made by the whole and united force of the entire population, national efficiency is no mere formula, empty save of theories,

Where every citizen, however humble, is determined, not only to be efficient for his country's sake, but to sacrifice himself if necessary to secure that national efficiency, it is not to be wondered at that remarkable results are achieved. National efficiency can never be achieved without this national solidarity, and for this reason, if for no other, it is instructive to study their demonstration of this national spirit, their proficiency in which has enabled them to become the most efficient nation of the world. These few studies may act as a primer to this study of Japan's national development, but the higher text books must be found in Japan itself.

Nowhere else in history is there such opportunity for studying the results of the application of the world's progress and the success or failure of its attempts. In the early days of the new era in Japan, commissions were despatched into all parts of the world to gather up the best that the united labour of hundreds of years had produced. Japan became the receptacle for the proved achievements

of the world, and had only to improve upon these by the pressure of a public opinion aggressively determined upon national progress. I confess frankly to an intense admiration and a feeling almost of awe at the sight of this magnificent national force moving in nearly perfect harmony towards the definite end of the nation's welfare. To my mind it is difficult to place any limit upon the future of such a thinking and educated power. For the first time a nation animated by it takes its place in the front rank of the world's Powers, and in so doing establishes new standards for the measurement of national affairs. That perfection has not been reached, the Japanese are the first to recognize, and they try to discover national shortcomings, not only to deplore, but in order to correct them, which is in itself a good attribute of any national energy. This ceaseless activity of the national spirit, ever at work strengthening the weak places in national defences, must be constantly making for more complete efficiency. Japan for the Japanese is no cry of artificial exclusion; it is born of the confidence given them by a knowledge of the national ability to hold its own. This confidence of the nation in itself is one of the most striking results of a practical patriotism. In Japan no one Atlas is left to bear up the skies-every man, woman, and child is ready and proud to share the task. Surely it can do no harm to study things Japanese! Even from those deeper thinkers to whom their patriotism still seems a thing bizarre and almost fanatic, the results obtained force consideration. Those causes which have produced such results are of the utmost value, and Japan's development offers to the world far more valuable lessons than those which she has given upon the battle-field or upon the high seas. A patriotism which insists

upon an even development of the national body and efficiency in every branch of national life is worthy of study, and, to my mind, there is an increasing necessity for its adoption by our own and other nations.

No more illuminating utterance has ever been pronounced in Japan or elsewhere as to Japanese motive and method in adopting certain elements of Western civilization, than the address made to the nobles of the empire by the Emperor of Japan in November, 1871 :

"After careful study and observation, I am deeply impressed with the belief that the most powerful and enlightened nations of the world are those who have made diligent efforts to cultivate their minds, and sought to develop their country in the fullest and most perfect

manner.

"Thus convinced, it becomes my responsible duty as a sovereign to lead our people wisely in a way to attain for them beneficial results, and their duty is to assist diligently and unitedly in all efforts to attain these ends. How, otherwise, can Japan advance and sustain herself upon an independent footing among the nations of the world?

"From you, nobles of this realm, whose dignified position is honoured and conspicuous in the eyes of the people at large, I ask and expect conduct well becoming your exalted position, ever calculated to endorse by your personal example those goodly precepts to be employed hereafter in elevating the masses of our people.

"I have to-day assembled your honourable body in our presence chamber, that I might first express to you my intentions, and, in fore-shadowing my policy, also impress you all with the fact that both this Government and people will expect from you diligence and wisdom while leading