Ignition Spark Flame Burn...CHANGE

One thing constant in life is change. Change happens in our everyday lives. It comes in different forms and at different times as well. But change is a double edged sword. In one end, it can be beneficial but on the other, harmful. There are also times when we are able to control the changes in our lives which is a good thing. But then again, there are other times it catches us off guard. Either way, we cannot escape from such a thing. It is definitely inevitable.


Change is a very big and suitable word when the topic for discussion is about Japan. This is because down from its people and all the way up to its government, change was and still is very evident. Japan has undergone so many changes in the past centuries. It had taken giant leaps, just like what it did when it opened itself to the rest of the world after years of isolating its people. They took the risk of closing its doors to focus on what they had to be able to become the country envisioned by its leaders. It was both beneficial and harmful for them because by shutting itself from the rest of the world; they were able to give importance to their people and their capabilities of becoming a strong and rich country. But it too was harmful because in some way they were left behind by the other countries that had relations with other nations. Such ties and interactions brought these countries to better heights as seen in their development and advancements in many aspects. But noticeably, Japan was able to jive in quickly.


Zooming in to what I just said and being more specific, allow me to talk about the Meiji Ishin. The Meiji Restoration more known to us by is the period in Japan’s history that ignited the flame of greater change. Before the great spark, Japan based its beliefs, decisions, and actions on its public. Public debates which constituted the public’s opinions were basis for Japan’s affairs. These public affiliations were brought about by two important happenings in Japan’s history which served as the gas or match to spark the wick. First is the coming of the “Black Ships” which was headed by Commodore Mathew Perry. The second came two years after, Japan’s decision to finally open itself to the rest of the world from formerly being an isolated country. One thing led to another. As these two events triggered the ignition, the spark Japan had experienced continued on. There was the Charter Oath which eventually led to the Dajokan System. But along the way there have also been forces brought about by change which made it hard for the bigger change to happen. Such events would have to be the various complications in Japan’s political system as resignations came in left and right from the members of its government and rebellions arouse just like that of the Satsuma. But it was because of these events again that Japan was able to move into the flame.


The drafting of the Meiji constitution was indeed a very lengthy and tedious process. But as every start has its finish, the drafting of Japan’s first ever modern constitution was successful enough to have paved the way for the establishment of the Imperial Diet, the Diet’s evolution, and even welcoming foreign influence into the picture. The last is very significant because it proved a very important happening in Japan’s history, and that is its decision to finally let go of its isolation. But aside from the aforementioned, it is also considerably important to know that there were also political upheavals experienced in the Taisho Era. And so came the First World War, Japan was able to be a part of it as a nation against the German forces which led to other key decisions that further kept the flame burning. There were political parties springing out from left and right like the Riken Seiyukai which was believed to be Japan’s first “true” party cabinet. But because of many policies both diplomatic and economic these parties also came to an end. So then rose the military forces of Japan.


Saying goodbye to the political parties allowed the military to gain its importance and instill its influence on Japan and its government. Unfortunately because of the misuse of power given to them, things started getting rough. It reached a point where in the Japanese government had to put its foot down and take control once again. Furthermore other political parties that were able to continue despite its loss in influence in the government were to be put to a final end. But that did not stop the fire from burning.


The Imperial Rule Assistance System appeared in Japan’s political period as the emergence of the Yokusan. Wars broke out and it was evidently seen during those times how the Diets remained to be present in the scenario. Great damages were apparent at those times due to the hostilities Japan had gotten itself into.


In order to get back on track, Japan considered the Potsdam Declaration as a step towards its goal. By accepting such, Japan was place under the Allied forces. Once again, changes were made. Distinct changes were seen in policies especially those which concerned Japan’s military and democracy. Political parties started to make itself known once again to the point of having one party legalized; the Japan Communist Party. Reforms were also present, and because of this Japan was able to restore its place in the international community as an independent nation.


So basically if it weren’t for the aforementioned events, Japan’s constitution today would not have been present and the way it is at the moment. It was because of the Meiji constitution where a constitutional monarchy was established therefore giving the Emperor of Japan the image of being a key player in the political scenario but acting by the commands of the cabinet that is. At the same time, the Potsdam Declaration made possible Japan’s complete surrender to the Allied Forces which actually helped itself strengthen its democracy as a nation. Human rights came into the picture because of such and this truly was beneficial to the many Japanese men and women.


Much has been said and done. Truly the Meiji restoration was the ignition of great change. The constitution was well thought of, its structure and foundation stood strong. A lot of changes were noticeable and significant to be able to reach this far. They were beneficial and harmful at the same time as well. But despite constant efforts to amend and revise the constitution, not once since its 1947 enactment was it able to do so.


Aside from the difficulty of having to go through the whole lengthy step-by-step process of amending a constitution another would be the nature of the Japanese people. Japan is a nation consisting of individuals who truly value their past. It is evidently seen in their culture how history plays an important role in their lives, no matter how ancient it or they may be. Their value for such is nice in a way that they learn from it but the downfall would be their hesitations in allowing change to happen. Now change here is a risky thing because one cannot really tell and be certain of the things that may happen. That is another reason why the Japanese are hesitant to touch their constitution. It is a highly controversial issue which is most of the time taboo to really dwell upon, so they believe it is. A very good example would be that of Article 9 about Japan and War. But there are still other Japanese who have the courage to speak for change and believe that revisions in the constitution are needed especially considering the present times. Take for example the efforts of Aso to continue Koizumi's plan and ofcourse his own plan to revise the constitution.


It is important to take note that since its establishment, the constitution of Japan has never been touched. Although it has been good to Japan, I believe that today’s times are way different from that of the past. That is why it is important to also welcome change into our lives because there are some things that may not be suitable and applicable for Japan at present anymore. That is one thing the Japanese have to understand.


Growth and development can only happen if one is able to value their past and not hold on to it. For such to happen one must learn to let go. It is by letting go where we are able to experience new things. And it is through such experiences where we are able to learn new things that will allow us to grow and develop.