Director ＆ Collaborators' Essey
NHK High School Course World History Inquiry: “East Asian Regions in the 19th Century”, by Toyomi ASANO
Faculty of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University Professor
Professor Toyomi Asano served as both an academic supervisor and lecturer for Episode 25, “East Asian Regions in the 19th Century,” of NHK’s educational program World History Inquiry.
【Overview】
This episode examines the historical processes through which East Asian societies particularly Qing China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula, underwent transformations from traditional dynastic states into modern nation-states under the influence of the West, commonly referred to as the “Western Impact.”
As Western concepts of human rights and constitutional government were introduced into traditional Asian societies, wars with foreign powers and domestic conflicts resulted in significant loss of human life. These upheavals also provoked profound emotional responses, including hatred, contempt, admiration, and aspiration. Amid these transformations, established worldviews centered on emperors and the Japanese emperor, along with traditional status-based social hierarchies, were restructured, paving the way for the emergence of modern nation-states. The episode explores these complex historical developments through concrete examples and discussions designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the broader historical processes.
Program: NHK High School Course, World History Inquiry
Episode: Episode 25, “East Asian Regions in the 19th Century”
Written by Kosei, SATO