Historical Background
Since the early development of Japan, the country has continuously inherited new cultural ideas
derived from foreign civilizations. China had an influence on the teaching and ideas in the Japanese
culture until the ninth century. This includes the writing system as well as Confucianism and Buddhism,
which a ect the religious perspective of the Japanese citizens and their way of life. Learning has been a
vital role in Japanese history. “By the ninth century, Kyoto, the imperial capital, had %ve institutions of
higher learning, and during the remainder of the Heian period, other schools were established by the
nobility and the imperial court. During the medieval period (1185-1600), Zen Buddhist monasteries were
especially important centers of learning, and the Ashikaga School (Ashikaga Gakko) flourished in the
%4eenth century as a center of higher learning” (Japan – Historical Background).
The introduction of Latin and Western music, European languages, and Christianity came from
European foreigners during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. During this era, “European powers.
Jesuit missionaries, who accompanied Portuguese traders, proselytized Christianity and opened a
number of religious schools. Japanese students thus began to study Latin and Western music, as well as
their own language” (Japan – Historical Background). However, Japan isolated itself from other countries
by prohibiting foreign contact, denying outside influence, and focusing on discipline and upmost
performance to become a modern country. During isolation, Japan focused on learning and education.
“Tokugawa education le4 a valuable legacy: an increasingly literate populace, a meritocratic ideology,
and an emphasis on discipline and competent performance. Under subsequent Meiji leadership, this
foundation would facilitate Japan’s rapid transition from feudal country to modern nation” (Japan –
