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Post-war Japan experienced rapid growth in wealth. The Japanese society was enjoying convenience and a responsive lifestyle. As a result of mimicking Western capitalism, the virtue of Japanese traditions is slowly extinct. With capitalistic values, the Japanese society experiences increased corruption, deterioration of ethics and business practices. Even children are negatively influenced due to fear induced by material desire, and crime and other illegal activities such as prostitution became prominent social phenomena. This makes one wonder about what happened to the wisdom and values passed on by the Japanese ancestors. Is past social, educational and business values extinct? In observing the deterioration of the Japanese society in the 21st century, one cannot help being concerned about its future. To break the current trend, bushido — a cultural asset of the Japanese — needs to be re-introduced into the society. Some may go as far to argue that the return of bushido philosophy into Japanese society’s core value is the only hope for its degrading system. This thesis focuses on the Yamaokatessyu bushido philosophy in the mid to late Meiji period and explores it holistically. Yamaokatessyu, Katsukaisyu, and Takahashideisyu bushido philosophies of the period are jointly known as the “bakumatsu sansyu”. There are few studies that systematically researched and analyzed the Yamaokatessyu philosophy and its history. Overall, this thesis studies the historical role of Yamaokatesyu, as well as, the loss of such spiritual wisdom, customs, and genuity in today’s Japanese society. Moreover, this thesis explores the significance of Yamaokatessyu’s selfless and non-material spirits in today’s society. The second chapter provides a background on the life of Yamaokatessyu as a start. Then Chapter Three explores the three disciplines of the Yamaokatesyu philosophy — sword, meditation, and literature — and their significance. Chapter Four speaks to the concept of honoring the Emperor and its popularity, then, analyzed Yamaokatessyu’s thinking on such concept and its influence of the bloodless victory at Edo. Chapter Five explains the establishment and development of bushido and reflects the core of bushido. As well, Yamaokatessyu’s criticism on the influence of technological developments with regards to the fall of bushido. At last, Chapter Six summarized Chapters 2 to 5, including the historical role of Yamaokatessyu, and assessment of Yamaokatessyu’s philosophy values and its significance in today’s society.
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