Bunmei-kaika (Japanese: 文明開化, lit. 'civilization and enlightenment') refers to the phenomenon of Westernization in Japan during the Meiji era (1868–1912), which led to major changes in institutions and customs.

Feb 13, 2025 · Those efforts at modernization required Western science and technology, and, under the banner of “Civilization and Enlightenment” (“Bunmei kaika”), Western culture, from current intellectual trends to clothing and architecture, was widely promoted.

Jan 15, 2024 · This chapter surveys Japan’s era of civilization and enlightenment (bunmei kaika), roughly the first decade of the Meiji era (1868–1912). It interprets bunmei kaika as a revolutionary attempt at Westernization intended to overcome the disruption wrought by the globalizing effects of Western imperialism.

The most popular catchwords of the early Meiji years— bunmei kaika, "civilization and enlightenment"—were significantly different. The most forceful crusader for them was the prolific writer Fukuzawa Yukichi (1835–1901), who coined the term bunmei itself.

Bunmei-kaika was a banner beneath which Japanese rallied in their quest to bring their country into the modern world free from domination and humili- ation by Western imperial powers.

One folk etymology of 文化 (bunka), widely used to reflect "culture" in the sense of human accomplishments, holds that it derives from the first and last characters of 文明開化 (bunmei kaika), the slogan of the Meiji restoration, most widely represented by "civilization and enlightenment" in English.

Bunmei Kaika: Japan’s Balance between Westernization and Traditional Values My final project will center on the Bunmei Kaika ideal of civilization and enlightenment that characterized development, be it political, intellectual, social, or military, in the Meiji era.

The Japanese phrase ‘bunmei kaika’ or civilization and enlightenment which was popular at this time indicates the trend of the times. On February 1, 1874 thirty-three intellectuals formed a society, the Meirokusha, to promote civilization and enlightenment. This society included many of the prominent members of the Meiji elite.

Bunmei Kaika follows the Opening of Japan The late 1800s became known as the period of “Civilization and Enlightenment” in Japan The 1880s—a mere generation after Japan had opened its doors to the West—is recognized as the peak of the era.

When she opens her eyes Aoi finds herself back in 1873, the Meiji era... and in front of her is a group of travelling performers, Aoiza. Aoi immediately notices an older Sousuke in the group, but he introduces herself as Kaminari Kensuke and tells her she’s got the wrong person.