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Yukichi FukuzawaYukichi Fukuzawa
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Autobiography of Yukichi Fukuzawa Kindle Edition
by Yukichi Fukuzawa (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (17)
4.0 on Goodreads
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Autobiography of Yukichi Fukuzawa is a foundational work in modern Japanese literature and thought. Written by Yukichi Fukuzawabetween 1897 and 1899, the book traces his life from humble beginnings in a low-ranking samurai family to becoming one of the most influential intellectuals of Japan's Meiji era. Through clear, reflective prose, Fukuzawa recounts his personal journey alongside the dramatic transformation of Japan as it moved from feudal isolation to modern nationhood.
The narrative begins with Fukuzawa's early life in Osaka and his education in the Confucian tradition, followed by his growing curiosity about Western knowledge. His determination to learn Dutch — then the gateway to Western science — led him to Nagasaki and later to Edo (Tokyo), where he established himself as a leading teacher of Western studies. The turning point in his life came with his travels abroad: first to the United States as part of a shogunal mission in 1860, and later to Europe. These journeys profoundly shaped his worldview, convincing him that Japan's future depended on embracing Western science, education, and political ideas.
Throughout the autobiography, Fukuzawa offers both personal anecdotes and sharp social observations. He contrasts the rigidity of the old feudal order with the dynamism of Western societies, arguing that true progress comes through independence of thought and individual effort. His reflections are pragmatic rather than sentimental; he portrays his own growth as inseparable from Japan's awakening to modernity
Yukichi Fukuzawa (1835–1901) was a writer, educator, and reformer who played a crucial role in shaping modern Japan. Founder of Keio University and author of influential works such as An Encouragement of Learning, he championed ideas of self-reliance, education, and social equality. His autobiography not only recounts a life of intellectual courage and cultural transition but also stands as a testament to the spirit of modernization that defined an era.
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Print length
319 pages
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From the United States
Zachary Turner
5.0 out of 5 stars Yes!
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2004
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is the best book I've ever read in my life. Err... It's the only book I've read in my entire life. I know that sounds sad, but I'm simply not a big reader. I mean I read textbooks and reference material, I read the news. But I just don't read books. We were assigned this book for a Japanese history class I'm taking this semester, and you can imagine my worries when I found out we were to read all 330 pages of it in a mere 2 weeks! I dreaded the 4th week of class when this torture would begin! So I decided to start reading it on a plane to Florida, a week or two before it was assigned, because I knew I wouldn't be able to finish all of it in only 2 weeks. And guess what? I read it TWICE before it was due.
His memory is so vivid and clear, even 60 years later. This book gives his accounts of growing up in the land of Samurai and emperors. he lived through the Meiji Resotration and died around the turn of the century. This is THE man responsible for making Japan what it is today. Had Fukuzawa not lived, perhaps Japan would be on the so-called "axis of evil" today. Fukuzawa opened the eyes of society to Western learning, trained all the teachers of the future to promote Western learning and welcome and open-door policy with the West.
But we also such a human side of him. We really learn what it means to be loyal by reading this book. He is perhaps the most loyal and honorable man I can imagine, and you would imagine someone like this to be rather into formalities, especially in Japan where honor and formality are closely intertwined. But then we see him urinating on a sacred symbol in one of the first chapters of the book! He really defied the thought of the time, and the world is definitely a better place because of his life. Anyone interested in Japan should read this book.
14 people found this helpful
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Add to Cart Enthusiast
4.0 out of 5 stars college required text
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Used at Western Washington University around 2008. Very interesting book.
Like most people, I rely on honest product reviews to make purchase decisions. Because the experience of others has been so helpful to me, I try to provide honest, helpful reviews to assist other shoppers in selecting the right products for them. I hope my review has been helpful to you!
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars I'd like to invite him to dinner
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2004
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is the best book I ever read as assigned reading in college, and I continue to reread it every year. In fact, I try to have a few (used) copies around the house to give to friends.
Fukuzawa was an amazing person, and the book is delightful in many ways. My favorite part is when, as a young student of the Dutch language in Osaka, he visited Yokohama and discovered that most foreigners were speaking a different language, English. He came back to Osaka and tried to persuade his fellow students to switch to English but nobody would listen. "The important documents will always be translated into Dutch!", they said. Undeterred, Fukuzawa went on to learn English more or less by himself. A whole string of 'firsts' followed -- he opened the first English school in Japan, was part of the first Japanese delegations to the U.S. and later to Russia, and wrote the first widely distributed book about "Things Western." A true iconoclast, he gave away his samurai swords and forbade bowing in his school as a waste of time.
I am eternally grateful to Edwin O. Reischauer for assigning this book in his Introduction to Japanese Culture class at Harvard.
9 people found this helpful
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David G. Litt
5.0 out of 5 stars Born into a feudal society, died living in a great power ... all in the same country
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2019
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
The incredible story of one of the leading thinkers and modernizers of Japan in its transformation from feudal society to industrial power.
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matthew
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2019
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Very good
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Guillermo Cordobva
4.0 out of 5 stars Open you eyes to one man's Japan
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2005
Format: Paperback
Rethink your view of Japan as steeped in tradition. Fukuzawa helped shape modern Japan by standing against feudal Japanese thought in a critical cross-road in Japanese history. This is one man's insight into why the Japanese think the way they do and why the best course of medicine is an open embrace of Western thought.
Great for anyone interested in Japanese history without being bogged down. Great for anyone looking for a little life inspiration.
5 people found this helpful
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VV
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2014
Format: Hardcover
Fast delivery. Product as described. Thank you.
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bojan.pomorisac@salem.mass.edu
5.0 out of 5 stars Very inspiring life. Well worth reading.
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 1998
Format: Paperback
This book gives an inside look at a crucial period in Japan's transformation from a feudal state to a modern one, so called Meiji period. Fukuzawa's is a true exemplary life. One had to copy texbooks by hand, study day and night with scant clothing and food, distingush seasons by pest (fleas in summer, lice otherwise)and yet he achieved much. He establish first private university in Japan, established a newspaper, and was influental writer and teacher. Most importantly, he succeeded without compromising his principles. With leaders like this it is no wander that Japan became a world power in a very short time. One finshes the book with the feeling that that is how a really worthwhile life is lived. Inspiring.
26 people found this helpful
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Ryan D.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Autobiography
Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2001
Format: Paperback
I had to read this book for a college history course. I thought it would be a drag but I loved it! Once I started it I couldn't put it down. I liked it so much that I went out and bought my own copy. This is an excellent book about a remarkable man. Buy it and you will not be sorry.
15 people found this helpful
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Rick Azevedo
3.0 out of 5 stars Tales of the Meiji Restoration
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2008
Format: Paperback
Fukuzawa was not a great thinker, but he is rightly hailed as the main Japanese proponent of modernization of his day. Fukuzawa had some charming escapades that make this a good book for young teens and adults. He recounts the nobility but foolishness of ancient Japanese society, trying to learn Dutch and English in an age when such would draw the attention of assassins, and the antics of his schoolmates in his version of college. Interesting for anyone who wants an inspiring story about hard work amidst great challenges.
3 people found this helpful
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Gwuy Day
5.0 out of 5 stars Very happy with the purchase
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 6, 2022
Verified Purchase
The book appears exactly as what described by the seller. Very happy with the purchase.
US book sellers are very reliable from my experience. Unlike those who are based in France, very likely to cancel your orders. They never want to ship the books to the UK.
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