Conclusion: Borrowing Scenes from Japan’s Colonial Empire

Abstract

This book is organized around an effort to represent an imaginary Japanese Empire created by contemporary novelists writing in English. Japan was forced to end its policy of isolation in 1853 and started to emulate Western imperialism to protect itself from subjugation during the Meiji Restoration. The upsurge of reactionary militarism with predatory imperialism and chauvinistic patriotism as its backbone contributes to Japan’s rise as an imperial power in East Asia. Borrowing scenes from Japan’s colonial Empire, from Dejima to Malaya, this study looks upon the possibility to foster a universal morality that will overwhelm intense national chauvinism to ensure a future that people of different races or beliefs can banish all thoughts of revenge and rally for the sake of human dignity and pride.