ABSTRACT

In 1873, Matsumura Harusuke, a little-known writer, penned a thousand Chinese characters into a book which he called Kaika senjimon, A Primer of Civilization. He was surprised when a local publisher asked for permission to reproduce his work because he had only intended for it to serve as a guide to local school children and family members. Although not truly recognizing the potential significance of his work, Matsumura agreed and noted that his ‘book contained words used enthusiastically in official notices and reports that should be put into ordinary usage.’ While ‘great men’ were already familiar with these words used to describe ‘civilization and enlightenment,’ he noted, the primer would perhaps help future generations to understand the true meaning and spirit of ‘civilization’ and the government’s pronouncements.2 Alongside such words as ‘Paris’ and ‘London’ were the more ubiquitous phrases like railroad, mine, agricultural promotion, [machine-] reeled silk, brick, telegraph, civil engineering, steam, and, of course, machine.3