In 1853, the American fleet arrived in Japan, triggering the famous "Black Ships Incident".
The following year, the Japanese shogunate was forced to sign the Treaty of Kanagawa.
In 1858, under further pressure from the United States, Japan signed additional treaties opening its ports to trade.
Subsequently, similar treaties were signed with European countries such as the Netherlands, Russia, Britain, and France.
Initially, Japan seemed destined to become a colony, similar to China's situation at the time.
However, Japan experienced political turmoil, leading to the overthrow of the shogunate and the beginning of the Meiji Restoration in 1868.
Decades of development transformed Japan into the only major power in Asia.
Even before the Meiji Restoration, Japan had built a strong foundation.
Despite being an island nation, its territory was equivalent to two Henan provinces in China.
At the beginning of the 17th century, Japan's population was about 12 million, a significant number internationally, close to one-eighth of Ming dynasty China's population.
By the end of the shogunate era, Japan's population had grown to 35 million, surpassing that of contemporary Britain and France, due to long-term social stability and peaceful development.
Population, as a crucial foundation for national development, laid a solid groundwork for Japan's progress, especially among the relatively well-educated population.
Additionally, Japan's literacy rate was about 40% during the Edo period, reaching 45% for men and around 15% for women by the end of the shogunate period, much higher than in Europe at the time.
Japan's flourishing rental book industry enabled lower-class people to receive relatively high levels of education, nurturing future talent for the Meiji Restoration.
Japan's social structure also bore similarities to Europe, despite being a feudal state with feudal lords and a warrior class.
During the shogunate era, Japan was divided into over 200 domains (han), each enjoying absolute rule within its own territory while pledging loyalty to the shogunate, laying the groundwork for the future Meiji Restoration movement.
One crucial reason Japan could swiftly respond to Western challenges and embark on the Meiji Restoration was its unique national character.
Situated at a tectonic plate junction, Japan frequently faced earthquakes and volcanic activity, prompting a vigilant populace.
This natural crisis readiness was a significant factor in the swift domestic response to the Black Ships incident and the subsequent Meiji Restoration.
In contrast, China during that period had a deeply entrenched feudal governance and a highly centralized system under the Qing dynasty.
Despite numerous potential reform options during the Ming and Qing periods, vested interests within the ruling Qing elite hindered reforms from taking place.
Long periods of peace led to noble classes clinging to vested interests and avoiding risk, a stark contrast to Japan.
Through the Meiji Restoration, Japan ultimately succeeded in joining the ranks of Asia's great powers, showcasing its unique development trajectory and adaptability.
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