Japanese Students at Cambridge University in the Meiji Era, 1868-1912: Pioneers for the Modernization of Japan

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I was delighted to be invited to contribute an introduction to this excellent study.Japan is a topic close to my heart.The fate of Japan can never be a matter of indifference to Britain.The Meiji Restoration remains a powerful theme for historians everywhere -and offers continuing lessons as Japan faces up to the need for extensive reform of her systems.And Cambridge, whether then or now, watches developments in Japan with particular interest and sympathy.The challenge remains -'reform or die'.Mid 19 th century Japan was resolute in grasping the challenge to her national and cultural survival posed by Western skills in firearms, infrastructure and, as then perceived, governance.The highly intelligent and motivated young Japanese who responded so enthusiastically remain heroes, as much in our culture as in Japan's.No English reader can fail to be stirred, sometimes puzzled and often even a little embarrassed by Japan's choice of Britain as a leading model for Meiji Japan's reform -though Count kuma's reasons in his memoirs remain persuasive.At all events the personal persistence and ingenuity of those first young visitors to London, then Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and elsewhere, and their intense application in mastering British technology, building systems, engineering and navigation, still strike a chord.But technology was not Britain's only strength.This is where Cambridge comes in, with its particular leaning towards abstract ideas, underpinned by a distinct intellectual and collegiate style.The heart of the saga described so ably by Noboru Koyama unfolds beside the River Cam.Many of the Japanese students here in those years were remarkable, but it is no doubt right to focus on the outstandingly able, articulate, original and culturally confident Kikuchi Dairoku.The tribute such figures paid to late Victorian British society remains, to our eyes, something of a curiosity.But they certainly targeted the essential Cambridge -clear heads; skills in mathematics, physics and engineering; a free flow of ideas; a readiness to listen to others; and a high respect for evidence and proof.Through Kikuchi and his colleagues this essence passed effectively into the Japanese intellectual landscape.ix The Cambridge link with Japan remains, I am glad to say, a major fact.Japan's standing in the University Library, in the Faculty, in the scientific laboratories, in artistic appreciation and social discourse continues to speak for itself.Cambridge these days offers a global rather than local platform, bringing value added for all concerned.Japan for its part has chosen to develop important professional partnerships in and around Cambridge, from advanced physics to cell-biology to cultural promotion.We see about us Japanese researchers, fellows of Colleges, visiting academics of all kinds, embedded laboratories, occasional Japanese orchestras and much else.At all levels Cambridge has confidence in Japan's long-term potential and welcomes signs of economic recovery.It was a particular pleasure for the Cambridge community to be involved in the arrangements for Japan 2001.We were determined to express our strong and continuing interest in Japan and our support for new trends emerging from Japan.The 'photograph' that emerged was of a society still based on determination, vigour, subtlety and individual inspiration.Among many delights it was a particular satisfaction to host a touring exhibition of photographs of Anglo-Japanese contacts in the Meiji period.Behind the formal Victorian suits and top hats it was still easy to spot the curiosity, adaptability and courage -not to mention the youth -of those early visitors.They took up the British challenge with a will.One hundred or more years later they retain the capacity to impress.

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