Kokugaku

Tanimori Yoshiomi

Kokugaku (国学), which literally translates to "National Learning" or "Native Studies," is a scholarly movement in Japan that emerged during the Edo period (1603–1868). It aimed to recover and revitalize ancient Japanese thought and culture, distinguishing it from the dominant Chinese influences that had been prevalent in Japan since the Asuka period. Kokugaku scholars sought to return to what they considered the pure and unadulterated values and practices of ancient Japan, focusing particularly on the study of the Kojiki, Nihon Shoki, and other classical Japanese texts.

Origins and Development

The Kokugaku movement began in the early 18th century as a reaction against the Confucian-based studies that dominated Japanese intellectual life at the time. It was initially a literary and philological movement, with scholars such as Keichū, Kada no Azumamaro, and Kamo no Mabuchi playing pioneering roles. These scholars emphasized the importance of the ancient Japanese classics, particularly the Man'yōshū, in understanding the Japanese spirit.

Motoori Norinaga (1730–1801) is often considered the most influential figure in Kokugaku. He dedicated his life to the study of the Kojiki and promoted the idea that the ancient Japanese texts were the key to understanding the Japanese national essence. Norinaga's work laid the foundation for the later development of the movement, which saw the inclusion of Shinto and the imperial institution as central elements of Japanese identity.

Philosophy and Ideology

Kokugaku scholars argued that the ancient Japanese texts and the native Shinto religion represented the purest form of Japanese culture, untainted by foreign influences. They believed that the moral and spiritual decline of Japan was due to the adoption of Buddhism, Confucianism, and other Chinese cultural elements. By returning to the ancient ways, they argued, Japan could restore its national strength and purity.

This emphasis on purity and the rejection of foreign elements became a significant aspect of Japanese nationalism, influencing the development of State Shinto and contributing to the rise of Japanese imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Impact and Legacy

The Kokugaku movement had a profound impact on Japanese culture and society. It played a crucial role in the development of modern Japanese nationalism and the restoration of the emperor to political power during the Meiji Restoration. The ideas of Kokugaku scholars influenced the formation of State Shinto, which became a key component of the imperial state's ideology.

In the realm of literature and the arts, Kokugaku contributed to a revival of interest in ancient Japanese texts and traditions, influencing the development of modern Japanese literature and the preservation of Japanese cultural heritage.

Criticism and Controversy

While Kokugaku has been celebrated for its role in fostering a sense of Japanese identity and cultural pride, it has also been criticized for its contribution to the rise of militaristic nationalism and imperialist expansion. The movement's emphasis on purity and the rejection of foreign influences have been seen as contributing to a sense of Japanese superiority and xenophobia in certain periods of Japanese history.

Conclusion

Kokugaku remains a significant intellectual movement in Japanese history, representing a pivotal moment in the development of Japanese nationalism and the shaping of modern Japanese identity. Its legacy is complex, reflecting both the positive aspects of cultural revival and the negative consequences of extreme nationalism.