Mind To Heart: Japan's 20th Century Cultural Transition from Ogai to Toyoda

Abstract

At the time of Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival, it
became evident that Japan's relative isolation from the world was
at its conclusion. The next hundred years would bring tremendous
change, and by the late-nineteenth century, Japan had established
its world-wide presence only to have its global aspirations crushed
by the end of World War II. One must take into account the
collective efforts of the populace when accounting for this
country's sudden rise. This culture's mindset assimilated quickly
to the influences of the West. Despite the demoralizing defeat in
World War II that scarred the nation, Japan's people emerged
more resilient and passionate than before. This is especially
evident in the arts produced during this time period. Following its
own Enlightenment, the populace experienced Romantic and
Modem movements within a fraction of the time of its Western
counterparts. Mori Ogai's Romantic novel, The Wild Geese,
provides a picture of the early Meiji culture, heavily influenced by
Enlightenment thought. The transition from rational c.ollective
mindset to the postwar population's passionate individuality is
evident in Shiro Toyoda's film adaptation, The Mistress.
Toyoda's masterpiece provides a touching vision of how the
individual's heart could now take flight in this new era.