Abstract
Autore:
Tanaka Kuniko
Titolo:
"Gli esordi dell´era Meiji attraverso gli sguardi europei: diplomatici e letterati"
After the Sakoku period (closing of the country, isolation policy), the Restoration or Meiji Reform opened Japan, definitely on the way of absorbing from the West plenty of contributions in terms of science, technology and culture in general, to a wide circulation of intellectuals and business operators coming from Europe and the States. A few of them held diplomatic functions, others had been invited by the Japanese government in order to enhance the dissemination of the knowledge acquired and consolidated in their countries, some were trying to make profit from trade, the remainder, fascinated by the charm of far away lands, enjoyed an extraordinary grand tour. Even before the official beginning of the Meiji era, one could read interesting descriptions provided by enthusiastic travellers to Japan . The latter, as well as those arrived later, produced a mass of memories and prose which furnish us with stimulating views over nature, inhabited sites, society. Particularly noteworthy are the writings of female visitors revealing great attention towards minor aspects that nevertheless can tell us a lot about everyday life in a country steadily moving towards progress
