TITLE:   “The Spread of Western Learning and Technology in Pre-Meiji Japan and its Impact on Japanese History”

ABSTRACT: 

This presentation highlighted the four phases of Western influence on Japanese society from 1540 to 1868 leading up to the beginning of Meiji modernization.  Each phase discussed in terms of language, areas of greatest impact, and how Western knowledge was spread within Japan.  We also discussed the timing of key social and technical advances in Europe and America, and some of the impacts that language learning, cultural diffusion, and new technology has had on Japanese society.

ABOUT the SPEAKER:

David D. Brown received a Ph.D. in Asian History from the University of Hawaii with a focus on Tokugawa Japan.  He completed research fellowships at Kyushu University and Harvard University before launching an international business career in computer technology.  David recently retired but maintains a strong interest in Japan and Japanese history.  He is currently serving with his wife as a church service volunteer in the Tohoku area.  They have 4 daughters and 13 energetic grandchildren.