Introducing JAPAN

I think it is interesting to note that between these two sources, “Japan” in Oxford Music Online and Music in Japan by Bonnie Wade, have two different approaches on how to introduce this country.  Music in Japan introduces the reader to the culture of Japan and how it has been influenced by the different cultures that come in and out of its shores. On the tenth page of the book, Wade introduces the Meiji Period and how Japanese leaders attempted to modernize their country. Examples of this include universal education and changing from an agricultural economy to an economy based on industry. However, the online source introduces this concept as the very last topic!  I think the Meiji period is instrumental in understanding how Japan has come to be and how all these different cultures mesh in society, especially in the area of music.  For example, through universal education European music was taught into the school curriculum.