The Rise of Modern Japan

This program is offered in collaboration with U.S.-China Institute at University of Southern California.

How was Japan able to transform itself into a major world power in the space of a few decades? What drove these dramatic changes? What cultural and social norms and economic structures helped to facilitate Japan’s rise? What brought down the Tokugawa regime that had held sway for over two and a half centuries? What political structure took its place? Who gained and who suffered in the remarkable transformation of Japan in the 19th and early 20th centuries? How was economic strength translated into an expanding empire? K-12 educators from all disciplines are invited to join this free online workshop on the rise of modern Japan.

All participating educators will receive background readings and select primary sources. Participants are encouraged to share ideas and raise questions prior to and after the workshop via our online forum. The live session on October 7 will also include time to brainstorm on how to best bring this remarkable period alive for your students.

Japan Society’s Professional Development Programs and New Video Resources for Educators/ About Japan are made possible by a generous grant from an anonymous funder.

Japan Society programs are made possible by leadership support from Booth Ferris Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Education and Family Programs are generously supported by an anonymous donor; ORIX Corporation USA; Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas); public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; The Masako Mera and Koichi Mera, PhD Fund for Education and the Arts; The Norinchukin Foundation; and Friends of Education and Family Programs.