Imperial Rescript on Education
Topic: Paths to Modernisation: Japan, China, Korea · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 7 "Paths to Modernisation"
Meaning
The Imperial Rescript on Education was a decree issued in the Meiji Emperor's name in 1890. It urged the Japanese people to pursue learning, cultivate the arts, advance the public good and promote common interests. It also put loyalty to the emperor and the nation at the centre of education. This was part of the "emperor system", which used schools to turn subjects into loyal citizens.
Example
After 1890, Meiji schools taught modern subjects together with compulsory "moral culture", meaning lessons in good behaviour and duty. These lessons stressed respect for the emperor. Children thus learnt modern knowledge and loyalty to the nation side by side.
Don't confuse with
- Meiji Constitution (1889): The Constitution set up the system of government, including the Diet (Japan's parliament) and a limited right to vote. The Rescript of 1890 set out the moral aims of education.
Related concepts
- Commodore Perry
- Treaty of Kanagawa
- Unequal treaties
- Meiji restoration
- Charter Oath 1868
- Fukoku kyohei
- Emperor system
- Meiji education system
- Hiragana and katakana
- Satsuma Rebellion 1877