The Rokumeikan era Rokumeikan



ukiyoe chikanobu depicting dancing @ rokumeikan


the rokumeikan served elaborate banquets, menus written in french. in ballroom, japanese gentlemen in evening dress imported tailors in london danced waltz, polka, quadrille, , mazurka japanese ladies dressed in latest parisian fashions latest european songs played army or navy band. foreign residents of tokyo hired dancing tutors.


the results mixed. although highly conspicuous western building praised visitors, concept deplored many others tasteless imitation. pierre loti, arrived in japan in 1886, compared building (in japoneries d automne, 1889), mediocre casino in french spa town, , european-style ball “monkey show”. likewise, noted french artist georges ferdinand bigot published cartoon depicting stylishly dressed japanese man , woman admiring in mirror, reflection of pair of monkeys.


japanese conservatives outraged perceived degeneration of traditional morals, close proximity between men , women during dances, linked rising taxes supposed dissipation , self-indulgence of government. reports , gossip of scandalous behavior high-ranking officials (although notorious took place @ private residences, not @ rokumeikan), added controversy.


the failure of rokumeikan diplomacy achieve desired goal of treaties revised in japan s favor led discrediting of inoue, resigned in 1887.








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