Yokohama Boomtown - Depiction of Foreigners in Japan

Yokohama Boomtown

1.  Give at least three main points made by this reading.  Think in terms not only of the specific content of this unit, but also about the broader questions of signification, visuality, representation, myth, ideology, codes, etc.  

This reading points out the strategy used by Japan when dealing with the foreigners. Recognizing that they were not as developed, they formed treaties with the "five nations" knowing they would not be able to resist. Because treaties were made, interactions between the Japanese and westerners were less confrontational after the initial introduction of western influence to the country. There is a certain "going with the flow" atmosphere exuded by the Japanese, since they are essentially helpless in the situation and looking to cut their losses when dealing with the Japanese. 

While the Japanese were not as technologically advanced as the westerners coming to their country, they were still able to adequately prepare for the influx of trade and travelers, going so far as to create a new city as a platform to hos foreigners without disrupting the port town that was originally supposed to serve the same purpose. They used their culture and tradition as a selling point, benefiting greatly from exploiting the 'exotic' qualities of their everyday life to cater to the desires of the westerners.

Artwork representing these processes were often influenced by the artists' imaginations and interpretations. Many artists did not depict the city of Yokohama from firsthand experience but from popular western publications. They also include their feelings of potential regarding the relationship between westerners as something that can be positive--the art reflects a sense of excitement caused by the new influence of the west, and opening up to the world to receive new things and opportunities. Unlike depictions of Perry, the newer artwork of westerners showed less hostility and demonization, and more inquisitive and genuine interest for the incoming possibilities.

2.  Give at least two questions for discussion from the reading.  They can have to do with interpretation, analysis, or personal responses (e.g., "What do you think?" type of question).  

What does the way westerners inhabited Japan say about their presence in the country? (i.e. simply plugging their own culture into a Japanese setting, not bothering to assimilate into the culture and instead imposing their own)

Are there any depictions of westerners embracing Japanese culture? Besides imploring their own onto Japan, what did westerners take away from their experiences with Japanese life, tradition, and culture? Is this depicted at all?

3.  Select one image from the Visual Narratives section and analyze it.  Upload it to your blog post.  Go beyond any description you find in the text as you analyze the image.  Think about what/who is being represented, how, and why.  Note that in the Visual Narratives there are often links (in a brownish color) to other images.   

The image above is described as "the first American firm to reach Yokohama, Walsh & Company, who established their compound in 1859...a new multi-culturalism pervades their headquarters." In this photo, There are both men and women present from both American and Japanese looking backgrounds, based on their attire. The westerners appear to be completely at ease while the Japanese are depicted looking around, almost in awe. The setting itself is Japan and Japanese architecture, but clearly inhabited by Westerners. The people inside the house are shown seated around a high table on chairs, and appear to be wearing their shoes inside as well. While the house itself seems to be filled with western influence, there are plenty of scrolls on the walls featuring Japanese texts. The gardens appear to be very Americanized, and in the view out to the water, a few American ships can be seen. The scene evokes feelings of a melting pot, cultures mixing together and learning from each other. The westerners seem oblivious to their cultural insensitivity, while the Japanese marvel at this new and intriguing way of life.