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にほんブログ村
Hello, I’m President Yasui, running a company specializing in the inspection of high-pressure gas equipment as a solo entrepreneur.
I recently read Nihonkoku Ki by Naoki Hyakuta.
After the Meiji Restoration, Japan pursued a policy of "enriching the country and strengthening the military," which led to the First Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War.
As a result of Japan's victory in the First Sino-Japanese War, the Treaty of Shimonoseki forced the Qing Dynasty to recognize Korea's independence.
This made me reflect on the nature of patriotism—how it can be something innate in a person or something shaped by the state.
The Joseon Dynasty had been part of the tributary system under the Ming Dynasty and was not an independent nation.
However, in Korea, history education does not widely acknowledge this fact, and it is reportedly not well known among the general public.
After being recognized as an independent nation through the Treaty of Shimonoseki, Joseon demolished Yeongeunmun (a symbol of the tributary relationship with the Qing Dynasty) and built Independence Gate in its place.
However, the true history behind the Independence Gate is not widely taught.
Instead, education in Korea often focuses more on the period of Japanese rule and annexation rather than the 250 years it spent as a tributary state of Qing.
As a result, the historical understanding of what independence meant has shifted over time.
Learning from history is essential because it helps us understand how we came to exist in our present state as a nation.
By studying not only the history of our own country but also that of other nations, we can gain insights into the relationships that have shaped the world.
Misunderstanding history due to a lack of education can lead to resentment toward other nations.
This is not only an issue for individuals but also a responsibility of the nations themselves.
While there are certainly things that can and cannot be said, historical facts—such as the circumstances surrounding the formation of certain nations—are indisputable.
These truths should be conveyed accurately, rather than being subject to differing national interpretations.
What we are taught is filtered through the perspectives of those who choose what to include.
Perhaps it is up to us to actively seek out the information that truly satisfies our curiosity.
Even for me, discovering new historical facts often leads to moments of surprise and revelation:
"Oh, so that’s how it was!"
As part of lifelong learning, understanding history can be incredibly enjoyable.
Today’s Quote
"By knowing the facts of history, we can uncover the truths of the world."
See you next time!
And finally, please click below!
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