Thank you for sharing this information about the moderinzation of Japan. I did not know about Fukuzawa Yukichi at all when doing my own research to build my introduction to the culture and moderinzation of Japan for my students. I appreciate the thorough explanation of how Edo turned into the Tokyo we know today, in terms of it's naming and historical background of Edo. I did not know Hokkaido was at first an inbetween land for Japan, that was an intersting fact. Thank you for giving the breakdown dismantling systems of Samurai to commoners, my students will find this information espeically useful when we dive into the literature and writing of poetry and texts from the Edo time period and modern time period Japan. I already know from speaking with my students that many facts and timeline you gave will help enhance their understanding of culture and society in Japan, especially the fact that buddhism at one point in Japan was not as highly promoted as it is today, as you mentioned in the video. Thank you again great information! 

This remarkable lecture captured the rapid changes that took place from the battle of Sekigahara (1600), to the educational reforms made by Fukuzawa Yukichi (1831-1901). In this pivitol time, it was interesting to note the first imperial venture into Taiwan (1874), and reentry into Korea (1876). My only regret is that we did not hear about the first Japanese vessel that crossed the Pacific, or the interesting relationship Japan had with Hawaii. Nevertheless, this proved to be my favorite lecture. The paintings provide fascinating representations of the way in which things were perceived (objectiveley, and subjectively). I cannot help but wonder if a translation of "Things Western" by Fukuzawa Yukichi would help us to get a little closer to the way people thought at this time when what was traditional could not help but fuse with so many new technologies, and thoughts.