How Western Culture Has Affected Japan

From Coke bottles on Shinto shrines to the Japanese almost completely abolishing the usage of squat toilets—yes, squat toilets—Japan has been heavily influenced by western culture, from their media, food, and even how they dress. The influence that western countries such as The United States, Great Britain, Canada, and much more have had on Japan is evident by just taking a leisurely stroll around Tokyo, in which you will witness a variety of sights such as McDonald's, Ikeas, Taco Bells, and even Kentucky Fried Chicken (The Japanese even order large buckets from “KFC” on Christmas for their meal). And yes, the Japanese even celebrate Christmas. As by this, it is very clear that Western Media and Culture have made it hard to distinguish Japan from one hundred years ago, during the Edo period to now.

Formerly, as stated in source 3, from the years 1862-1912, a period in Japan known as the Meiji Restoration Period took place. During this time western reforms were slowly turning the Japanese government into a Representative Democracy and less of an Absolute Monarchy. The Tokugawa Shogunate was disbanded, and the emperor was stripped of almost all of his powers, except for his ceremonial powers. Even so, the Emperor could only evoke his Ceremonial Powers if he/she had the approval from the Japanese Parliament. This still holds true today. Other laws were put in place that were eerily similar to those of the Americans. Even during the late eighteen hundreds, the Japanese Samurai system was abolished. This, in turn, led to the Samurai Uprising of 1877. After the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the United States had briefly taken over Japan. This was done to gain influence in the country and bring back western ideals. Strikingly on May 3rd, 1947, the new American style constitution went into effect. This new Japanese constitution includes laws such as everyone is to be respected equal no matter what sex, race, or social class. And even in the words of John Locke, in amendment 13 of the Japanese constitution, it states, “All of the people shall be respected as individuals. Their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness shall, to the extent that it does not interfere with the public welfare, be the supreme consideration in legislation and in other governmental affairs."

However, this is all in the past, when culture-wise most Japanese people were affected little of the takeover of Japan by the United States. Skip to modern day, however, any person that travels to Japan will know how instead of being in an alien world, they are instead surrounded by their favorite brands, fast food places, and customs. Even most of the Japanese bathrooms have been converted into Western Style sit down toilets, instead of the traditional Japanese squat toilets. Including this, most Japanese street signs include English in them along with Japanese or replaced the Japanese letterings with the Latin Alphabet. Along to this, most Japanese people know English well enough to communicate with Americans, this is because of laws stating that English must be taught in primary school.

Ultimately, as can be clearly shown, that western culture has completely changed the culture and government of Japan. From past to present, American ideals have entirely changed the atmosphere of Japan, from clothing brands, restaurants, English signs, and even laws stating for mandatory English classes in primary school. From this, it is completely unquestioned how western influence has utterly changed Japanese Society.