Exploring Japanese Perspectives on Korean Envoys
The historical relationship between Korea and Japan is of paramount importance. This essay presents my thoughts and response about “Carnivals of Aliens” and “Beyond Sakoku” articles which describes the interaction of the two nations in the early centuries.
Carnivals of Aliens
The article Carnivals of Aliens by Ronald Toby presents elaborate art criticism of various illustrative depictions of the Korean convoys. While Toby concentrates on the historical pedigrees of the paintings, he focuses majorly on the visual arrangement of the elements[1]. I find such description interesting since they provide a clue to the attitudes towards Korean convoys, which were predominant among the Japanese people. The painting of Hanegawa Toei’s Chosenjin raicho zu provides a significant insight into national trade and financial speculation by the Korean convoys[2] (419). Another exciting item is the examination of foreign parades where the participants walked in the streets as they impersonated as Korean envoys[3] (437). The Korean envoys held various festivals whose motive was to enhance social and moral equality among the people. Generally, the Korean culture plays a significant role in developing the Japanese identity.
Beyond Sakoku
The article by James Lewis provides detailed information regarding the Korean-Japanese relationship. According to Lewis, the obligations of colonization and imperialism shaped the Japanese view of Korea[4] (27). I find the article worth reading because it provides an essential clue of japan in the eighteenth century. The most incredible part includes his portrayal of meeting Yoshimune and his notion of the traditional leadership scheme[5] (35). The relationship between the two nations is evidenced by the adaptation of the Japanese titles by Korean to establish political modesty[6] (37). However, despite the beneficial relationship, confrontations and counterfeit scandals arose between 1645 and 1711.
Generally, the two articles share essential details concerning the relationship between Japan and Korea in the early centuries. The use of art has enhanced the presentation of information effectively, primarily featuring the procession of envoys.
Bibliography
Lewis, James B. “Beyond Sakoku: The Korean Envoy to Edo and the 1719 Diary of Shin Yu-han.” Korea Journal 25, no. 11 (1985): 22-41.
Toby, Ronald P. “Carnival of the aliens. Korean embassies in Edo-period art and popular culture.” Monumenta Nipponica (1986): 415-456.