自己紹介

Translation:

Japan originally imported law system, engineering and many field of natural science from Germany before WW2 since Meiji Era 1890's.

So, upper middle class such as Tokyo Imperial University alumni usually spoke fluently Germany rather than English. Because German language is easier to learn and speak for its regulatory grammar and easy pronunciation.

The establishment were familiar to Germany culture especially before 1970. In 1990's, the tradition diminished away because the U.S culture overwhelmed on TV, radio music, and films. Nobody read so difficult Immanuel Kant's critiques never ever. The symbolic value of Germany culture had gone away.

For upper class, the luxury meal was German style. Sausage and sour bread, etc before 1970. After 1970, French and Italian dishes have been imported. American food is still no more acceptable.

In my childhood, Germany culture still exited suburb of Tokyo middle class , and my high school was Germany Catholic Missionary School. So I was accustomed to Germany culture, especially for classic music, such as Bach, Beethoven, etc,.

Before WW2, the official architecture was deeply influenced by Germany traditional style, such as remaining Ministry of Justice office.

But, naturally leading to the question why Germany was our ancestor's choice, the answer is Edo Bakufu Era, Tokugawa Shogun Era before 1867. The only officially trade partnership was agreed to Dutch. Dutch ships carried many things including books from Dutch.

So, Bakufu officials and other people were so curious about the Western modern machines and culture, so tried to learn Dutch.

So, many people learned Dutch at the end of Tokugawa Shogun Era, as you know Dutch was a variant of Germany language. So easy to attach Germany books and decided many students to learn modern civilization from the unified German Empire.

The students who learned technologies and social systems grew up and higher officials. Ito Hirobumi, first Prime Minister 1894, was the student who drafted the old Constitution translating from German and Austria constitution.

So, historically upper class people were accustomed to Germany culture, read and write in German language. After WW2, during American occupied Japan age, still Germany culture dominated.

After 1970, TVs and radios broadcasted overwhelmingly Californian culture and during American wartime so many American soldiers brought American culture. The mainstream changed to the U.S.

Even medical area and law jobs used German language a little, but most of all people forgot German influences on Japanese culture.

30 years ago, little remained, but nothing except German cars remains.

Of course, Kanji system was imported from China 1500 years ago, and most influential partner for 1000 years, but Tokugawa Era banned with trading directly to China Empire and forgot Chinese influences. So Japanese culture is definitely different from Chinese culture and social system.

This is the island country's overview of cultural influences. And the reason why I studied useless German language.

Auf Wiedersehen ！