Thoughts of the Late Edo Period

• Thoughts during the Edo period and the end of the Tokugawa shogunate.
• The arrival of Perry.
• The concept of “Wa-Kon-Yo-Sai,” which means that Japanese ideology is better, but Western technology is impressive.
• Criticism of the policy of national isolation, mainly by the Shoho-kai.
• The argument for opening up the country, similar to the concept of “Wa-Kon-Yo-Sai,” advocated by figures like Sakuam Shozan.
• The theory of “Sonno-Joi” which calls for the expulsion of foreigners and the preservation of imperial rule.
• The Mito School of thought, which emphasizes loyalty to the emperor based on Confucianism.
• Yoshida Shoin, who played a significant role in nurturing individuals with such ideas, known for being featured in the novel “Hana Moyu.”
• These ideas eventually led to the Meiji Restoration.