In the contemporary history of Japan, a prevalent self-perception among the Japanese has been the notion of being a resource-scarce yet densely populated nation. This belief was not unfounded and has roots that trace back to the early 20th century. My grandfather, born in the 1920s, often echoed this sentiment, encapsulating a view widely held by his generation.
Japan’s journey into modernity, particularly post-Meiji Restoration, saw it transform into a significant source of overseas emigration. This was especially pronounced in Western Japan, in regions like Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, and Okinawa. Here, the practice of primogeniture, where the eldest son inherits the family estate, left many younger siblings, particularly from farming families, with limited prospects. As a result, numerous second and third sons found themselves seeking opportunities far beyond Japan’s shores, venturing to places like Hawaii and the Americas.
Those who didn’t emigrate often migrated internally to cities like Osaka or Edo (modern-day Tokyo). In an agrarian society where land ownership equated to wealth, these younger sons, lacking inheritance, had little choice but to seek livelihoods elsewhere. Interestingly, they were often raised to support their elder brother, the heir to the family’s estate, reflecting a deep-seated cultural norm of familial duty and hierarchy.
This socio-economic backdrop also provides a lens to understand Japan’s imperialist ventures and colonial dominion over neighboring Asian countries. The pressure of a burgeoning population, coupled with limited resources, seemingly propelled Japan to look outward, leading to an era marked by territorial expansion and colonial rule.
Literary works from the Taisho era (circa 1912-1926) offer glimpses into this societal structure. They often depict scenes where the heirs of large farming households dine alongside their unmarried uncles – siblings of their fathers who never inherited and thus remained within the family home.
This historical narrative of Japan, marked by its struggle with limited resources and a growing population, sheds light on the collective consciousness of a nation. It underlines the complexities of Japan’s path to modernization, the societal shifts that ensued, and the far-reaching implications of its domestic policies on its international actions. Understanding this context is crucial in comprehensively grasping the multifaceted nature of Japan’s history and its impact on the Japanese people’s self-perception throughout the 20th century.
Atsushi's Life in Korea 