Download or read book Britain's Encounter with Meiji Japan, 1868-1912 written by Olive Checkland and published by Springer. This book was released on 1989-09-15 with total page 382 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: During the Meiji Era, of 1868-1912, British influence in Japan was stronger than that of any other foreign power. Although role models were sought from Englishmen and Scotsmen, whether diplomats, engineers, educators or philosophers, the first priority for the Japanese was to achieve a transfer of industrial and technical skills. As important customers, who brought good profits to British industry, the Japanese were accommodated when they stipulated on awarding a contract that their own people should work in office, shipyard or factory. Much new research material discovered in Japan, England and Scotland has enabled the detailed examination of a relationship - with Britain as Senior and Japan as Junior partner - which lasted until 1914. It was on these foundations that Japan was able subsequently to build a great industrial nation.