The Meiji Restoration, spanning from 1868 to 1912, was a transformative period in Japanese history. It marked the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the return of imperial rule under Emperor Meiji. This era is renowned for its significant political, social, and cultural changes as Japan sought to modernize and compete with Western powers. One of the most intriguing aspects of this transformation was the reconfiguration of the Japanese body’s perception and presentation. This article explores the profound shifts in bodily practices, influenced by the Western gaze and governmental policies, and the tension between modernization and cultural preservation during the Meiji Era. The westernization of Japan played a significant role in these changes.
Japan saw significant historical change during the Meiji Restoration in 1868. With it, the Tokugawa shogunate came to an end and Emperor Meiji resumed his position of imperial sovereignty. Significant political, social, and cultural developments occurred during this period as Japan attempted to modernize and compete with Western powers. The westernization of Japan was a key factor in these developments. One of the most fascinating parts of this shift was the difference in the perception and presentation of the Japanese body. Certain cultural staples in terms of physical appearance have dramatically changed during this time brought upon by political shifts and cultural influence from the West. Unravel this story of aesthetics and style by learning about the internal and external factors shaping the public’s minds.
Transformation of Bodily Practices During the Meiji Era
Before the Meiji Restoration, the Japanese body was a canvas of cultural identity, expressed through practices such as tattooing, blackening teeth, and specific hairstyles. These practices were deeply rooted in Japan’s indigenous culture and carried significant symbolic meanings.
Body as a canvas for tattoos
Image Credit: ArtsyTattoos, for instance, evolved from marks of punishment to intricate designs that symbolized protection, strength, and fashion. Haircuts were laden with social significance, indicating mourning or marital status, while blackened teeth signified a woman’s engagement or marriage.
Sudden Conservativeness?
However, the Meiji Restoration brought about drastic changes. The new government, keen on modernizing Japan, viewed these traditional practices as obstacles to progress. Influenced by Western notions of decency and respectability, the government implemented policies that discouraged or outright banned these customs.
The traditional nakedness, which was seen as natural and non-sexual in Edo Japan, was now considered indecent. Public nudity, tattoos, and other bodily practices were scrutinized and regulated under new laws.
The Western Gaze and Self-Consciousness
Commodore Matthew Perry sails (with black sails) his frigate “The Susquehanna” into Tokyo Bay
Image Credit: The Wandering HistorianWhere It All Began
The arrival of Westerners, particularly after Commodore Matthew Perry’s expedition in 1853, introduced a new perspective on Japanese bodily practices. Western visitors were often shocked by the casualness of public nudity and the indigenous customs they deemed “barbaric.” This marked the beginning of the westernization of Japan.
This Western gaze forced Japan to become self-conscious about its traditions. The Japanese leaders, aware of how their country was perceived by the West, felt pressured to adopt Western norms to avoid being seen as uncivilized and to reduce the risk of colonization.
The Fashion Agenda
This self-consciousness was not merely a reaction to Western opinions but a strategic move by the Japanese leaders. By aligning with Western standards, they aimed to gain respect and secure their place in the international community. This alignment was a significant part of the westernization of Japan.
This led to a systematic effort to control and reshape the Japanese body through new laws and regulations. The government’s approach to bodily practices was part of a broader agenda to modernize Japan and prevent foreign domination.
Symbolic Meaning of Traditional Bodily Practices
Traditional Japanese bodily practices were not merely aesthetic choices but carried profound cultural and social meanings. Tattoos, which once marked criminals, evolved into elaborate designs that symbolized protection, strength, and fashion. The shift in the perception of tattoos reflects broader changes in Japanese society, where what was once stigmatized could become a mark of pride.
Haircuts, too, had deep social significance. Cutting one’s hair could signify mourning or devotion, while different hairstyles marked social status. The practice of blackening teeth, originally part of coming-of-age ceremonies for upper-class girls, became a widespread custom that signified marital status. These practices were integral to Japanese identity, and their gradual disappearance under Western influence marked a profound cultural shift.
The enforcement of new laws regulating these practices was not merely about public decency but about redefining Japanese identity in a modern context. The tension between preserving traditional practices and adopting Western norms was a central theme of the Meiji Era and westernization of Japan.
Governmental Influence and the Meiji Misdemeanor Law
The Meiji leaders played a pivotal role in transforming Japanese bodily practices through the implementation of the Meiji Misdemeanor Law in 1872. This law enforced new regulations on public decency, targeting customs like public nudity, tattoos, and teeth blackening. The authorities imposed fines and, in some cases, used force to ensure compliance. This rigorous enforcement highlighted the government’s commitment to modernizing the nation’s image.
Emperor Mutsuhito
Image Credit: RoppongiThe emperor and empress themselves adopted Western clothing and hairstyles to set an example. In 1873, Emperor Mutsuhito cut his hair and donned a French-style military uniform, while Empress Haruko appeared in a corseted Western dress, with unshaved eyebrows and un-blackened teeth.
This dramatic shift in their appearance was a powerful statement to the Japanese people, signalling the importance of conforming to Western norms.
The adoption of Western styles by the imperial couple was not without controversy. While some viewed it as a necessary step towards modernization, others saw it as a betrayal of Japanese tradition. This dichotomy reflects the broader societal tension between embracing modernity and preserving cultural identity during the Meiji Era.
Cultural Resistance and the “Double Life” Phenomenon
Despite the government’s efforts to enforce Western norms, many Japanese people continued to practice their traditional customs in private, leading to the phenomenon known as “nijuu seikatsu” or “double life.”
In public, individuals conformed to Western dress codes, but in private, they reverted to traditional Japanese attire. This duality underscores the complexity of cultural transformation during the Meiji Era and westernization of Japan.
The “double life” phenomenon illustrates the resilience of cultural traditions amidst external pressures. It was not merely a matter of practicality but a reflection of deeply ingrained cultural values.
The Japanese people found ways to navigate the demands of modernization while preserving their heritage. This tension between public conformity and private tradition highlights the nuanced nature of cultural change.
The Meiji Restoration was a period of profound transformation for Japan, particularly in the realm of bodily practices. The traditional customs that once defined Japanese identity were challenged and reshaped under the Western gaze and governmental policies. While the government sought to modernize and align with Western standards, the Japanese people navigated these changes with a “double life,” maintaining their cultural heritage in private.
The story of the Japanese body during the Meiji Era is one of tension and adaptation, reflecting the broader struggle between modernization and cultural preservation. The reconfiguration of bodily practices was not just about aesthetics but about identity, power, and resistance. As Japan continues to evolve, the legacy of the Meiji Era remains a powerful reminder of the complexities of cultural transformation.
